Page 90 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

It looks like I’m definitely on my own if I can’t even speak to the eldest Duster. So be it. The solution to my problem? I need to get this baby born and then get the shit show that is my life back on goddamn track.

I refuse to be molly-coddled any longer. I’m taking my life back. Then, hell mend anyone who gets in Jaine Jones’s way.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SEVEN

MOLLY

The Hudson Dusters’ HQ, Manhattan, New York

I smirkas she hangs up, then delete all traces of her call before placing his phone back on the desk.

Eoin enters his office space. “Was that anyone important?”

“A wrong number.” I smile innocently.

He nods. He believes me. And why wouldn’t he?

And Jaine Jones is of no importance.

He’s been to collect the La eMe file from Paddy’s office. We’re going to call Rodolfo Flores together. I told him I tried but couldn’t get hold of him.

I lied.

There’s a reason for that. If I want Eoin and me to be viewed as the next Manhattan power couple, then we have to be seen to be making decisions together and working side by side. More so in front of influential peers. We’re going to be the future king and queen of The Hudson Dusters if I have my way.

Which I will.

I watch as he flicks through the notes at the front of the file, then dials one of the handwritten numbers on handsfree. It’s answered immediately.

“Eoin, it’s good to hear from you.”

“Rodolfo, it’s been way too long.”

“Yes, it has. Listen, I spoke to Jessie not so long ago. I was expecting a call from someone at your end. A Molly, if I recall. Did something come up as I never heard from her?”

I interject. “I tried to call, Rodolfo, but I couldn't get through for reasons known only to the lousy telephone exchange.”

“Right.” He doesn’t sound convinced, but he can’t prove anything either way.

“My name’s Molly McGrath.” I continue before he can ask any probing questions. “I’m going to be representing the Dusters in the alliance moving forward.”

“And may I ask what your role is within the organization, Molly?”

“I’m their external legal representation.”

There’s a pause as he digests what I’ve said.

“I thought consideration was being given to Jaine handling that side of things. At least when it came to the La eMe alliance. To ensure all matters, including the lines of communication, remain open and streamlined at all times. We know what happened when links failed last time, and Jaine does represent the other parties concerned.”

I narrow my eyes at the mention of her name.

“Rest assured, I am just as competent as Jaine Jones.”

“Right.” There’s a pause. “So, you’ll be representing the Dusters legally in all external matters moving forward.”

“That’s correct. As Eoin’s fiancée and the future Ma Duster, we thought it important I start to make my presence known both within and outside of our family organization.”

I glance at Eoin. If looks could kill. Fortunately for me, they can’t. I’m sure I can get him to forgive my deliberate slip of the tongue by using it in far more satisfying ways later.

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