Page 78 of Killian

“That’s a topic for another time. Tell me everything that’s going on now.”

“It’s Killian’s job. He asked me to help him trace a hacker who has been altering their books. I’ve been following the crumbs until I realized the crumbs were only leading me to a trap. I wasn’t as focused as I should have been, and I let them do this to me. They said if I don’t kill Killian within twenty-four hours, they will kill the kids.”

“Take a deep breath. Let me go call Giovanni and Lorenzo. We will get this sorted.”

I grab his hand as he stands. “This hacker is good. He is probably tracking your phones. Even your burners. That’s why I came to you. Killian and I have a plan.”

He sits back down, leaning back in his chair. “Proceed.”

I quickly lay out the plan for him. He doesn’t look happy about it, but he hasn’t said no yet.

“So you want me to tell my guys we will be killing Killian tonight. Get them here to discuss this crackpot plan of yours and then be your back-up?”

I swallow hard. I knew it would be hard to convince him. He has never let me decide for myself.

“Yes. I’m asking you to trust me. To trust Killian.”

“If this plan does not work, what is your second option? Those children will not be harmed.”

“Of course not.” I choke out the next words. “Killian is prepared to end his life as plan B.”

“Really? Why would he do that?”

I let the first tear fall. “Because he loves me as much, if not more, than I love him. I know you don’t approve, but I can’t help who I love.”

“He’s eight years older than you. He’s a Westie.”

“I don’t care about any of that. Besides, he’s head of the Westies. That makes him a bigger target, like you, but it also means people fear him. I’m better protected.”

He takes a deep breath. “Alright. We do it your way.”

I give him a small smile. “Thank you.”

“Is everyone in place?”I whisper to Bash as I jam my hands into my pockets.

He nods as we walk toward the front of the building. This is an old warehouse Bash sometimes uses. He said it was perfect for what we wanted. There are no cameras here, so the only way this hacker can monitor us is to come here themselves.

It’s a risk. I’m thinking if this was so important that they will want to see it through, but I can’t be sure. The last thing I want is for Killian to die.

Stepping through the door, I listen to the quiet. Not even a light humming. It’s eerie.

“How long until he arrives?” I ask as I look around.

“Anytime,” Bash murmurs, making me nod.

“Right.”

“Can you handle this?” he asks as he leans against the desk in the middle of the room.

“Don’t worry about me.” I look away, trying to hide my fear.

“But I do.”

“Not now, Bash.”

Before he can respond, the sound of the door opening echoes throughout the room. Turning, I watch as Killian and Conor step inside.

“Not our usual meeting place now, is it?” Killian says lightly.

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