Page 48 of Innocent Union
I don’t wait for Cecilia.
I practically run out of the café, hearing the rude men laughing as I go.
CHAPTER 12
Killian
Imeet up with Jimmy, my new second-in-command, at one of the bars I own. He’s seated near the back when I walk in.
Leading up to the wedding, I slacked on my duties as future boss. My main goal is to take down Patrick. Now that things are better between Mia and, and there’s hope there, I can focus on my other duties.
Jimmy looks twitchy as I sit down across from him. His leg is jiggling, and his fingers won’t stop tapping the table.
“What’s going on?” I ask. “Is there a problem with the money?” I’ve been having Jimmy collect money from some of the business that owe me. First step in taking over—I need money behind me to have even an ounce of power to take down Patrick.
“No,” he says too quickly.
“Jimmy,” I say in a warning tone.
“Ok, fine.” He rakes his hands through his hair. “I went to collect the money from Joe’s, but he didn’t have it.” Joe is one of the business owners in the neighborhood who also owns his own bar. I’ve been getting money from him for the past few months now.
“Why? Joe and I have a deal. He gives me money, and I give him protection.”
“I know, but … Joe told me he didn’t want to work with you anymore.”
I tense. “What?”
“He’d rather work with … Patrick,” he whispers.
“What?” My hands slam down onto the table. “No, that won’t work for me. You need to go back to Joe and talk to him about this.”
“Ok, ok. I will. Sorry, Killian. It’s just …”
“Just what?”
Jimmy blows out a rough breath. “It’s just that Patrick has a lot more influence than you. I think he’s getting to your contacts and trying to sway them to his side.”
“Dammit.” I run my hand over my face. “Dammit.” I look at Jimmy more closely. “You seem awfully afraid today, Jimmy. It wouldn’t have to do with Patrick, would it?”
“What do you mean?” he squeaks.
“I mean, did Patrick try to get to you, too? Are you working for him?”
“Of course not! I’m tired of Patrick. He’s too stuck in his ways. I was just nervous about how you’d take the news. That’s all.”
I stare at him for a moment. “Fine. I believe you. But if you double-cross me, Jimmy, you won’t like the outcome.”
“We need you here, boss. You’ve been too distracted lately.”
“I’ve been busy getting married,” I tell him.
“Still. We need you present. If you ever want to take down Patrick, you need to commit more.”
I stand before he can scold me anymore. “I’m busy with my marriage. My mom is sick. I have a lot on my mind right now. But don’t worry. I’ll take Patrick down. Have faith in me.”
Jimmy’s nod is like a little squirrel—fast and nervous. “I do.”
“Good. Get me that money from Joe. I don’t care how you get it.” With those words, I leave the bar behind me.
