Page 108 of Immoral

"Nothing, or he wouldn't be in this SUV," Killian points out.

"I'm not talking to you," Papà scolds again then turns back to me. "What do they have?"

"Nothing. Killian's right," I state, but the uncomfortable feeling grows larger.

"What did your guys on your payroll say?" Killian asks.

"If I have to tell you to shut up one more time," Papà warns.

Killian groans. "Jesus, Angelo. What are you going to do? Kill the father of your daughter's unborn baby? Come on. We've got a problem. Stop playing boss, and let's have a conversation to figure this out."

It's rare for Papà to back down, but he glances out the window, tapping his fingers on his knee.

I glance at Killian, who shakes his head in frustration at me. Nothing gets said for miles until we stop in a busy parking lot next to another SUV with blacked-out windows.

"Send our attorney to represent Garrett Steelworth. He needs to get released immediately," I instruct.

Papà arches his eyebrows. "Why would I do that?"

"Because he's a man who doesn't flinch. And he's going to owe us," I state.

"You serious?" Killian spouts.

"Shut up," I order.

Papà assesses me.

"Do it," I demand.

Papà crosses his arms. "Okay. If I end up regretting this, it's on your head."

"Fine. What's going on?" I motion toward the other SUV next to our vehicle.

Papà points to both of us. "You two have a debt to repay."

"What debt?" I ask.

The window of the SUV rolls down. Bridget's father, Tully, curls his fingers, his lips turning up at the corners.

"Oh, fuck no! I owe nothing to Tully," Killian mouths off.

"Is this a joke?" I ask.

Papà takes several deep breaths then scrubs his hands over his face. He gives me a look I've not seen before. I don't know what to make of it, but something tells me things are worse than I'm aware of in our family. He states, "Tully owns the police. The guys on my payroll are all dead."

My insides flip. The blood drains from my cheeks, making me almost dizzy. I question, "What are you talking about? When did this happen? And why didn't you tell us?"

Papà's expression turns angrier. "If you and your brothers weren't always doing whatever the hell you wanted, then I would be able to trust you."

"Trust us? You seriously think you can't trust us?" I ask in disbelief.

Disappointment fills Papà's expression. For the first time ever, I see the stress on his face. He looks like he's aged twenty years. Cold fills me, and a new worry takes root.

He sighs and points to Tully's vehicle. "Go pay off your debt. When you come home, we're having a family meeting."

Tension fills the car, and no one moves.

Killian finally speaks. "Well, I guess Tully can't make me marry anyone."

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