Page 64 of Bloody Union

“Boss,” he says in a low voice and I brace for whatever he’s about to say. “Lawrence arrived fifteen minutes ago and is acting shady as hell. He’s been speaking to a few men and the discussions look heated.”

“Thanks, he’s not going to go down easy. Everyone who was seen on that security tape unloading the drugs and denies that they did it, dies,” I warn him and Romero. “I will not tolerate disloyalty from my men.”

They both nod and I look to Dante, he’s scanning the parking lot. God, he’s so on edge and it’s making me anxious. “Ready?” I ask him and he gives me a terse nod.

Rolling my eyes I move into the warehouse and immediately all eyes are on us. “Is everyone here yet?” I ask loudly and I’m greeted by silence.

“Finn?” I ask needing someone to fucking answer me.

“Not yet, Boss. Michael and Jason are in the parking lot,” he replies. “Everyone else is here.”

I nod my head in thanks and walk further into the warehouse to where my da is standing. “Morning,” I say with a smile.

He grins, “Morning, Kenna, ready for this shit show?” I told him about what Finn and Romero found and he’s just as furious as I am.

Commotion sounds by the door and I turn to see Jason helping Michael into the warehouse, the old man walking with a walker, his frail body hunched over as he shuffles forward. “Sorry, we’re late, Boss.”

“You’re right on time,” I reply. He’s deteriorated a lot since last I saw him. He must be having a bad day today.

“I was informed that a shipment never made it to Miami. Now I know that trip is over two days but we’ve never had a problem before,” I say and watch as unease trickles through some of the men’s features. “Michael and Jason personally handle the supplies and having them shipped off. They, along with their men, have never given me any problems.”

I watch Michael’s men preen at the praise. “Simon,” I call out; he’s one of the younger men that work for Michael. “How many shipments went out?”

His brows furrows as he tries to think. “Fourteen, Boss. The one to Miami was done first as it has the furthest to go. We always make sure that the furthest ones get shipped off first.”

I nod and turn my attention to Lawrence’s men. “Peter,” I call out and watch as the eldest of Lawrence’s men steps forward. “Did you receive the shipment?” I rattle off the date that the shipment was due to arrive.

He doesn’t even hesitate. “No, Boss.”

I nod just as I did to Simon. “Are you part of the operation to unload the shipment?”

“Yes, Boss, I have been since I’ve been part of the family.”

Well he won’t be part of the family much longer. I search the rest of Lawrence’s men and see Liam shifting on his feet, he and a few other men look uneasy. “Liam McCarthy.” My voice is sharp like a whip. I’m getting angrier the more these fucking bastards lie to me.

“Yes, Boss,” he says as he steps forward and Peter takes a step backward.

“Are you part of the operation to unload the shipment?”

He nods, “Yes, Boss.”

“Did you unload that particular shipment?” He opens his mouth to say something and I hold my hand to stop him. “Lie to me and your ma will be planning your funeral.”

He swallows harshly and I know that it’s got to be hard. If he tells me the truth he’s ratting on his boss, but if he doesn’t he’s betraying the family.

“Yes, Boss, I unloaded that particular shipment,” he says honestly and I beckon him forward and he moves toward me with trepidation.

“Stand beside Patrick and Cian,” I instruct him, then turn back to the other men. “Anyone else agree with Liam? If you do, go stand beside him.” I wait and I’m not surprised that half of Lawrence’s men come to stand beside Liam and the other’s stand by their boss. Okay, we’re getting rid of half of them. At least the other half are fucking loyal.

“Lawrence?” I call out, wanting him to answer for himself.

“Those fucking bastards, lying and betraying me. Maybe they’re the ones that took that shipment.”

Dante shifts beside me, his body humming with anger.

“Last chance for you to change your mind. Pick which side you’re standing on, boys.”

A few more men move to stand with Liam and I nod to Finn, he’ll take note of them and ensure that they’re monitored.

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