Page 23 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

He’s tetchy now. And I’m actually not trying to be demeaning. I’m merely highlighting the truth. He was handed this life of his on a silver platter. He has an army of yes-people he delegates to over and above his siblings. Don’t get me wrong, I do the same these days, but I made sure I learned the ropes inside out beforehand. There isn’t one role in my firm I can’t undertake and fulfill personally.

It’s unlikely Eoin O’Connell can say the same.

“I fully appreciate that. It’s not a criticism, so there’s no need to get defensive about it. It’s more an explanation. I’ve had to learn my craft inside out from the bottom up. Then perfect and hone it. Dealing with the IRS isn’t something I’m experienced in, but I am very skilled when it comes to tying people in knots and causing delays where the situation demands it.”

“And it’s that experience we’re paying for.”

“You’re not paying me.”

“What do you mean?” He sounds surprised. I’m not sure why.

“You insisted I had created an owing.”

“I didn’t say we wouldn’t pay.”

“If I owe, I owe. It’s not like I need the money, Eoin, as well you know.”

“So, if there hadn’t been an owing?”

“In my opinion, there wasn’t one. That aside, in the end, I did it for Dyl. He was worried about the IRS situation. About the possible consequences. As was Jessie.”

“What about me?”

“What about you?”

“Wasn’t there a small part that saw you do it as a favor for me?”

“Let me think about that for a second…. no.”

“So, you really do hate me that much.”

“Jesus Christ, not this again. There’s an age-old expression, Mr. O’Connell. You reap what you sow.”

“You’ll be back in Manhattan soon enough.”

“Yes. I will. And your point is?”

“You can then resume your friendship with Paddy.”

I laugh in disbelief. Is this asshole for real? “And do you honestly think Sophia will allow that?”

“She won’t be able to stop you.”

“And do you not know your brother at all?”

“Meaning?”

“He would never disrespect her in that way. And I wouldn’t either, for that matter. Or expect or ask him to. She’ll be his wife. What he and I shared we can’t ever get back. It’s gone. I can’t believe you’re only just realizing that now. That you really thought Irish and I could just pick back up where we left off. After two years of not speaking and after he’s wed.”

Tears spring to my eyes. Tears of self-pity, which I’m not proud of. Tears for Finian. Tears for Irish. None of us deserved this fate. Especially not my little boy. Having to be kept a dirty secret.

“Jaine….”

I disconnect the call.

CHAPTERTWELVE

DYLAN

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