Page 174 of Dirty Padraig: Dirty Dusters

Padraig’s Apartment, Hudson Yards, New York

“Any news, Dyl?”

I’m resting on the sofa with the phone leaning against my ear. Aside from smoke inhalation, I’m not too worse for wear after yesterday’s ordeal. I’m not sure the same can be said for Eoin. His hands are in a right state.

“Nothing. We’ve all been warned to stay away from the house by Ma. She says Jaine needs time to reflect on what happened.”

We all know that’s mere speculation on Ma’s part, of course. The reality is that Jaine’s locked herself in the safe space. The only people allowed in are Duke and the kids and Tim, and the latter only because she knows Eoin will insist on having regular updates on her physical well-being.

Her mental health is my main concern. She lost the will to live yesterday. She gave up. If we’d arrived a minute later, we wouldn’t have been able to save her.

“Jessie tells me that she has two new handsets being delivered today. Her burner wasn’t on contract for obvious reasons, so I reckon it will be a new number for that.” He continues.

“Will she give it to everyone who had it before?”

“Who knows? We’ll just have to wait and see.”

“And Luciano?”

“He and Sophia are being retained at the docks for now. I suspect Jaine will want to have a discussion with Nate before anything’s decided. Whether Luc gets processed via the legal route as is hoped or whether we have to deal with him in our own way. After everything she put herself through, I hope Nate has enough evidence to convict him.”

“I can speak to Nate if necessary.”

“I didn’t realize he had your number. Not until he called you with Jaine’s whereabouts.”

I can understand his curiosity. Why would a mobster have the contact details of the District Attorney?

“I’ve known him for a long time. We’re both legal professionals, so we were always going to cross paths.” I give as little away as possible. It’s Nate’s secret to spill, not mine.

“I guess.” He doesn’t sound convinced.

I change the subject. “Jaine told me that Eoin cheated on her. That she and him split up as a result.”

“He didn’t cheat. It was staged.”

“What do you mean?”

“He was trying to extract himself from her life.”

“Why?”

“He thinks Jaine should be given the choice and not just have him inflicted on her like you wanted, so he’s been trying to distance himself.”

“But she loves him. She said as much yesterday.”

“She loves you too.”

“Have you told her what game he’s playing? Jesus Christ, Dylan. She could have gone to meet her maker believing that of him.”

“I haven’t told her, but I will as soon as she has an active phone.”

I know what he’s going to say before he says it.

“You need to speak to Eoin too.”

“I will.” And this time, I mean it.

CHAPTERFIFTY-EIGHT

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