Page 72 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

I shrug. “We can make anything work within reason. Between us, we make the rules.”

“Still nothing on who this silent backer is?”

“Nope. I reckon only Ghost knows but that’s pure speculation on my part. If indeed he does, it’s my guess if he breathes a word, he’ll be a dead man walking. Much like Reaper would have been if he had lived to spill his guts.”

“So, how can they join the alliance if they’re already involved with this backer?”

“Who knows? Maybe they can walk away with the guarantee they’re sworn to secrecy forevermore. The truth is we all just need the unrest to disappear so we can get on with our lives. It’s not good for business. We’re focusing on the wrong things. In fact, I may have a quiet word with Rod about it.”

“Do we need to involve the Irish?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe not at this stage. Cillian and Sarah will be here in a couple of days, so no doubt Ace will mention it to Cill. There’ll be stuff I’ve not been party to knowing him.”

“You’re pregnant, Jaine. He won’t want you getting stressed.”

“I am pregnant. But that doesn’t mean I need to be handled with kid gloves. Plus, it’s the not knowing that’s giving me the stress.”

“I hear you. You’ll keep me posted?”

“I will. I’ll probably know more after Cill and Sarah’s visit.”

“Well, enjoy your conversation with big brother Duster.”

“I can hardly goddamn wait. And Jessie?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m here. You know. If you need to talk.”

There’s a pause. She’s putting on a brave face, I know she is. I think with Jessie, there’s a lot hidden beneath that attention-seeking surface of hers that she doesn’t want anyone to see. I want her to know I’m here for her. That I will always be here for her. But as a friend, not just as her business partner.

“Thanks.” She tries her best to hide it, but I can hear how broken she is in just that one word. I know the sound because I’m the same most days. Having had years of practice, I’m just much better at hiding it.

* * *

“Eoin.”

“It’s good to hear from you, Jaine.”

“Well, I did say I’d call.”

There’s a silence—an unusually awkward one. I can sense things have changed between us. Is it the fact he’s now in a serious relationship? Or over the Dyl and Jessie situation? Then again, maybe it’s because we haven’t spoken in a while. The atmosphere just feels different. I can’t pinpoint why. I speak again.

“So. This Jessie shitshow.”

He chuckles, and I find myself doing the same, grateful the awkwardness evaporates with it.

“Have you missed me turning the air blue, Eoin?”

“I’ve missed everything about you, Jaine.”

He sounds sincere. He means it. There’s another pause. Not awkward this time. More because I’m taken aback over his admission. Am I glad he missed me?

“Right.” I mean, what else is there to say?

He clears his throat. Does he regret thinking out loud?

“I’m not sure whether that description is an understatement or an overstatement.” He speaks.

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