Page 199 of Dirty Padraig: Dirty Dusters

Eoin and I look at each other. Lucifer is family in a roundabout way. He’s Jessie’s da, which makes him Dylan’s father-in-law. He’s also Bailey’s da, so he’s Paul Delaney’s father-in-law too. I’ve never met him, but I’ve seen Dylan’s wedding video and many images.

“Is that a problem, darlin’?”

She shakes her head to indicate not, but the slowness with which she does says otherwise.

We step inside the clubhouse. It’s the same as before, with its dark wood tables, chairs, and dark grey bulletproof bar. As expected, the flow of conversation stops as dozens of eyes turn to take us in.

They look wary rather than threatening. No doubt Jefferson’s already told them who has stopped by today. That two of the New York Dusters are in their sleepy little town. Slowly they continue on with what they were doing.

“PJ.” Another blonde-haired biker I recognize approaches us, this one wearing a beaming smile. It’s Ace’s former VP.

“How’s things, Clay?”

My eyes drift to his cut. Prez. A promotion he probably didn’t want as it saw him losing one of his closest friends.

“We’re doing good.”

Jaine gets captured in another hug. Then, he stares down at her with his hands on her upper arms. “What you did…”

“Was nothing, Clay. You would have done exactly the same given the opportunity, and you know it.” It’s clear she doesn’t want to talk about it, let alone take any praise for it, especially when, with Luciano on the run, it’s not over yet.

She turns to look at me and Eoin. “It’s been a while, Clay, but you’ve met Padraig before when we were dealing with the Bratva situation. I think you may have met Eoin too when we handled the fallout in Nevada after Reaper.”

“It’s good to see you, fellas, again.” Still wearing a beaming smile, he shakes both our hands before turning his attention back to Jaine. “Now, are you sure you want to do this today because you can take as long as you need, PJ? There’s no rush.”

“It’s time, Clay.” She exhales sadly. “There are some things I wanted to pick up for JJ, so I may as well get it over with at the same time.”

He nods.

“Jaine.” We all turn our heads toward the deep Irish voice and take in Liam O’Brien. He’s a big man. He’s not overweight. It’s all muscle. He’s not what you would define as handsome. He has a unique something that makes him stand out from the crowd with his angular features, long, greying blonde hair, pale blue eyes, and well-kept beard.

He smiles warmly at her, but she only half smiles back. For some reason, Jaine’s unsure of herself around him. Their interaction is awkward. She walks hesitantly over to him, and he wraps his arms around her. She can’t wait for the hug to end. He’s reluctant to let her go.

There’s something going on there. Is she going to tell us what it is?

She looks between us all.

“You’ve met Eoin before in Nevada, but I don’t think you’ve ever met Padraig.” She stares at me, and I look at her questioningly. I can read her like a book. She knows I know something’s up, and my brother’s no fool. He won’t miss it either.

“It’s good to see you again, Lucifer.” Eoin hugs him and slaps him on the back.

“It’s good to meet you at long last, Mr. O’Brien.” I smile widely as I greet him in the same way.

“You’ve been raised well, son. Your manners are impeccable, which is rare in this day and age. Your parents must be proud.”

I smile distractedly, only part listening. Jaine nods in Clay’s direction, and he nods back. She motions her head for Lucifer, Eoin, and me to follow her. We end up in their council meeting room—a space dominated by a huge walnut table engraved with a skull head with flaming angel wings.

Jaine waits while we all take a seat, but she remains standing. She fidgets as she starts to pace the floor before stopping and looking at me and Eoin.

“As you know, Lucifer is the prez of both the Undertakers and the Sons of Satan.” She pauses. “He’s also my biological daddy.”

And there it is.

CHAPTERSIXTY-SEVEN

JAINE

The Angels of Hellfire Clubhouse, Rising, California

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