Page 85 of The Silencer

"Fuck," Maverick growls, running a hand through his hair."We need to get in touch with Freddie, let him know what we've uncovered.He could be walking into a trap."

Stephen nods in agreement."I'll try to reach him.In the meantime, we need to start digging into the Syndicate.See if we can find any of those Syndicate cunts entering the country.They’d have to have arrived recently."

"I'll get on it," Denis says, already pulling out his phone."I'll have Melissa working on it.If anyone can find out for us, it’s her.”

"Good."Jer nods."Pyro, what do you need?"

Pyro runs a hand down his face, his features still twisted with rage over the loss of his young member.“We’re good.We wanted to let y’all know what went down.This isn’t just some random attack on Ava last night.Someone is targeting us.All of us.”

"What about the women?"Stephen asks, his voice tight with concern."We can't keep them locked up forever, but we can't risk them being out there either."

"For now, they stay here," Jer decides."It's the most secure location we have.We'll rotate guards and keep them protected."

I think of Clodagh, pregnant with our child, and it pulls on every protective instinct I have."Agreed.But we need to tell them something.They deserve to know the danger they're in."

Maverick nods."Lisa's going to be pissed, but you're right.They need to know."

“I’m heading out,” Py tells us.“I’m going back to my own woman and informing my brothers of what’s been uncovered so far.Once morning hits in New York, I’ll be calling Ace, but we’re going to need to inform everyone.If they’re targeting us, they could target them.”

Stephen and Jerry follow Pyro out of the office, and before Maverick can join them, I grab a hold of his arm."There's something else you should know," I say quietly."Clodagh and I...we're engaged."

Maverick's eyebrows shoot up in surprise."Shit, man.Congratulations.Does Lisa know yet?"

I shake my head.He’s kept our relationship a secret from her, something he’s not been happy about, but thankfully he’s not told her."I’m pretty sure she’ll know now.Clo had planned on telling her."

He claps me on the shoulder."Better late than never, I guess.But fair warning—Lisa's going to flip her shit."

I grimace."Yeah, I know.But Clodagh needs her best friend right now.Especially with the baby coming."

Maverick nods understanding."I'll try to run interference if I can."

As I enter the living room, I see Clodagh sitting with Lisa and Jess.She looks pale and tired, and I hate that she has to deal with this stress on top of her pregnancy.But fuck, nothing is going to happen to her.No fucking way.She’s dealt with more than enough violence in her life.I won’t let any more violence touch her.

THIRTY

clodagh

I’m nervous.My hands are shaking as I watch Emmanuel and the other men walk toward the office.

“Oh, Clodagh,” I hear Lisa say as she runs toward me and pulls me into a hug.“I can’t believe you’re here.I didn’t think you were coming home for Christmas.”She pulls back, her brows knitted together.“Wait, you’re here with Emmanuel?”

I sigh.I knew this was going to come out today.I need to get it over and done with, like ripping off a bandaid.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for Lisa's reaction."Lisa, there's something I need to tell you.Emmanuel and I...we're together.We have been for almost three years now."

Lisa's eyes widen in shock."What?Three years?How...Why didn't you tell me?"

I can see the hurt in her eyes and it breaks my heart."I'm so sorry, Lisa.I wanted to tell you, but at first I was scared.Scared of what you'd think, scared it wouldn't last.And then as time went on, it just got harder to find the right moment."

Lisa shakes her head, taking a step back."I can't believe this.My best friend and you've been lying to me for years."

"I know, and I'm so sorry," I say, my voice cracking."I never meant to hurt you.You're my best friend, Lisa.I should have told you sooner."

Lisa's quiet for a long moment, and I can see her processing the information.Finally, she speaks again."Is there anything else I should know?"

I hesitate, my hand instinctively going to my stomach."Actually, yes.I'm pregnant.And...Emmanuel and I are engaged."

Lisa's jaw drops."Pregnant?Engaged?Oh my God, Clodagh."

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