Page 144 of Absolution

“He’s probably taking over. I think he’s next in line unless someone comes from Ireland.”

I stand from my desk. “Have the restaurant prepared for an attack. People have a way of pretending to be something they’re not.”

“Okay.”

My cell rings. The screen shows that Ava is calling.

“Hi, baby girl.”

“Hi.” There’s humor in her tone. I hear Aisling babbling in the background. “Are you still coming on time?”

“I should be. Why?”

“I need a favor.”

“What is that?” I ask curiously. Her voice dipped.

“I need you to come home and help me with something.” There’s a level of mischief in her tone that sets my pulse racing.

“Is that so?”

“Yes…” Her focus shifts to something else. “Niko, not there.” She turns her attention back to me. “I have to go. Come as soon as you can. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“Everything okay?” Oliver asks, confused.

“Yes. Let’s get this meeting out of the way and see what the Irish want. Ava needs me at the house.”

* * *

Twenty minutes later…

As the restaurant comes into view, I spot several of my men standing outside.

I park in front of the restaurant.

“Sir,” the first man greets.

Inside the restaurant, more of my men are sitting and eating. My mother wanted to keep this place open, but I won’t use it for the Clan. I want her to have something of her own that has nothing to do with the Clan. I also want her to have the independence she didn’t have with my father. But that is not to say that the men won’t continue to come here.

I enter the kitchen with Oliver behind me.

“Good morning, sweethearts,” my mother greets when she spots us.

“Hi, Mom. What are you doing here? I thought you’d be with Ava and the kids.”

“I’m just leaving. Needed to check on some things.”

I give her a hug before looking around.

Already, things are different.

“Hi, Mom,” Oliver greets.

“The place looks great,” I announce with pride.

She smiles in appreciation of my unusual praise. “I thought it would be nice to make the place more family-friendly.”

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