Page 173 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

“Thank you, Leo, but that still doesn’t explain why I’m here.”

“Because I wanted to ask if you would consider representing the Cosa Nostra once I am in position. You and I work well together. As importantly, we understand how each other works. But most importantly, I trust you implicitly.”

It’s what I half-expected him to ask. And after the recent spate of head-hunting, both JAL and JAA are more than equipped to cater to this request. I have one concern, which I decide to air out loud.

“As you know, there is some ill-feeling between the Ruoccos and me. It’s my fault entirely. I said something to Sophia that she, quite understandably, took offense to at the time. It’s something that should never have been said. In hindsight, I realized how disrespectful it was of me.”

I’m referring to my saying I only hope Padraig grows to love her as much as he did me. From what I’m hearing on the Manhattan outlaw grapevine, she’s still up in arms about it. It was an extremely foolish thing to say. I’m well aware I’ve stirred a Sicilian hornet’s nest as a result, as Sophia and her elder brother have neither forgiven nor forgotten my comment.

“About her Duster fiancé? Yes, I am aware of what was said and, of course, of her and Luc’s adverse reaction.”

“With that in mind, I’m not sure how they would feel about me becoming involved with your organization.”

“Their feelings are of no consequence, Jaine. They will be gone by the time I am in place, and by the time you are on board. We would expect their removal from the organization to take place over the next few months.”

“That quickly?”

“That quickly.”

My ears prick up. “And are they aware these changes are afoot?”

Leo smiles. “Yes and no.”

“So, a coup in part?”

“Yes.”

“What will they do?”

“We believe it’s their intention to set up their own alternative mafia organization. That they may indeed have already done so.”

My thoughts immediately drift to the Dusters. To Padraig. They think they’re marrying him off to ally with the Sicilian mafia. They are, but it may well be the shortest alliance in history going by what’s come to light during this conversation. They’ll now also be allying with a new, and as yet unknown, organization.

We leave it there and make small talk while enjoying our meal. I’m fully aware Leo is affording me that time to digest what’s been discussed. While not a snap decision, he’ll expect an answer to his offer before we part company this evening. He’ll want his inner circle in place before he assumes the position of Don.

Placing my cutlery down, I take a sip of water before I speak.

“Thank you for explaining your situation, Leo. I’m pleased to advise both JAL and JAA will be more than happy to represent the Cosa Nostra moving forward and once you are in place as the new Don.”

* * *

Business discussions over,I take my phone from my bag. I’ve had six missed calls from Jessie. What the hell is going on?

“Please excuse me, Leo. I have to make a call.”

He smiles at me like the cat who’s got the cream. He’s got what he wanted. That my working for him personally will now spill into our working side by side for his outlaw organization.

“Of course, Jaine. We will afford you some privacy and join you in a few moments.”

I leave the room and stand in the foyer, taking in walls covered in gold flock paper adorned by ostentatious wall sconces. Vulgar and then some. Like most of the people who frequent this establishment.

I dial Jessie’s number, but she doesn’t answer.

It’s then I hear voices, one of which I know extremely well.

My blood immediately starts to boil. Well, what are the chances?

Spinning around, I take in Eoin O’Connell as he stands there in a dark grey suit with a white open-necked shirt. He looks exactly the same as he did the last time I saw him in the flesh, which was when Sarah and Cill got married. Aside from a few more lines from living in the life, he’s still GQ model-like handsome and still wearing that annoying, arrogant expression of his.

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