Page 122 of Dirty Eoin

Only time holds that answer. Then again, will Eoin want to try again, or has he already moved on with his life?

It’s been a month, after all. That’s a long time in our world.

And could he ever forgive the way I deliberately led him on, achieved my goal, then subsequently threw his declaration of love back in his face?

I guess I’m about to find out. JJ reaches up for Duke as he enters the room, and I smile as he takes him from my lap before throwing him in the air and catching him.

It’s the most beautiful sound. My baby’s laughter filling the air.

“You ready to speak to Eoin?”

I smile. “Yes. It’s time.”

Private Dining Room, Palace Hotel, Manhattan

“How have you been, Jaine?”

Rod and I decided to meet since he’s in New York on a fleeting visit once again. Is it a woman, I wonder? Has my handsome Mexican school friend finally found the elusive one? He’s never normally in New York this often.

I glance around. I haven’t been in this establishment with its vulgar gold, cream, and crystal décor since the worst night of my life.

If I hated this place before, it was nothing compared to how I feel about it now. But it’s secure. You pay enough and you have a signed-in-blood guarantee that the walls don’t have ears. If they grow any, the head to which they’re attached will be blown off well before the associated mouth can even think about spilling its guts.

“Improving, Rod. And I apologize that I went off radar briefly. I needed some me time. I never realized quite how much until I had pretty much reached breaking point.”

I can be honest with Rod. I witnessed him go through similar when he lost his younger sibling, Rafael.

“You did the right thing. I know it’s cliché, but time really is a great healer.”

I smile at him, but it quickly turns into a frown. “About Abel.”

He looks at me almost sympathetically. “You did what you had to do. If it helps your peace of mind, I would have made exactly the same call. I know both Lucifer and Ghost held respect for you before, but perhaps that’s now sprinkled with a little fear.”

“Great.” I roll my eyes.

He laughs. “Instilling fear is no bad thing in this life, Jaine. They know you have their town’s best interests at heart. They also know how serious you are about unearthing the faction behind all this. That those behind Ace’s death are also indirectly responsible for Abel’s demise, and my little brother’s too.”

I place my hand over his and squeeze gently. I know it’s still difficult for him to talk about Raf. “Any news?”

He shakes his head. “Nothing. It’s all gone quiet. But it’s too quiet if you know what I mean.”

“The calm before the storm. Which typically means something’s about to go down.”

He nods. “I think they’re strategizing. Things were simple when they could control Reaper. Now he’s gone, and with both Ghost and Lucifer refusing to play ball, they’ll have to approach things differently. Their bully-boy tactics didn’t work. That approach just resulted in three dead Colombians. They won’t make the same mistake twice.”

“And right now, we have no idea where or when they’ll strike.”

“Or even if they do. Who knows? Maybe they’ll find someone else to help sell their inferior goods and assist with their trafficking. Our weapons order is double this time. We want our men prepared for any eventuality. We’ve accepted the same percentage reduction as last time. I’ve already discussed it with Aidan and Jessie. As you and I were meeting up, I told Aid I’d pass you the official paperwork.”

He hands it to me, and I place it in my briefcase. I’ll personally deliver it to Eoin O’Connell after this meeting.

“Aid?” I raise an eyebrow and smile. “Best friends now, are we?”

He laughs. “Let’s just say I’m glad you introduced us. He definitely knows his way around weapons. He’s recommended some alternatives based on our requirements. He’s also going to throw in a few new models for us to trial.”

“Bringing him on board was a good move by the Dusters for once.”

He narrows his eyes. I know exactly where this is headed.

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