Page 25 of Demanding Mob Boss

"I talk about you. That's not so shocking. But Cian does too and that's got Ma in a tizzy."

"Your brother talks about me?"

"Yep."

I want to ask what he says, but that would seem like I'm spying on him.

"Did he really go talk to your friends so they'd stop bugging you to quit?" Shea asks.

"It was really nice of him. I like working here but I hate upsetting my friends." I slept very little last night because I was so anxious over the situation.

"Connor said you know that Cian is mob now."

So, that is who told her. I don't mind. It wasn't like Cian and I were having a private conversation in his office. We were in mine and Connors. And we weren't whispering. I kind of like how up in each other's business this family is.

"Yes."

"And it doesn't bother you?"

"No."

"Wow. I was born into this family and sometimes I wish I hadn't been."

"Why?"

"Do you know what a mob boss does?" Shea asks me instead of answering.

I shrug. "I don't work for the mob side of the business." Though I'm not sure it would bother me if I did.

Maybe my bother meter is broken.

"The mob handles stuff outside the law."

"So do lots of politicians." This is Chicago. "So do the police sometimes."

I don't think Ini is the only reason I care that so many Black people have died unlawfully in police custody, but she brought the problem to my attention. She was crying one day, and I wanted to know why. A young Black woman had been killed during a no-knock raid on her apartment.

They weren't even looking for her, but somebody else.

Ini said it could have been her. I didn't see how, because she's never dated anyone more than a few weeks, much less lived with them. But after that, I paid closer attention to the news and saw it was a widespread problem. I've noticed that even with my idiosyncrasies, some people treat me more respectfully than they do Ini. She's smart and personable, but all they see is the color of her skin.

It makes me so angry. So, I research candidates before I vote for them. And that’s how I learned so many politicians seem to think the law is for everybody else.

"But my family don't even pretend to be law abiding. At least not with each other." Shea frowns.

"Do you think it's better to pretend to respect the law, but break it anyway?" I prefer straightforward honesty, but some people like to be able to lie to themselves.

Shea looks at me funny. I'm used to that. Only Shea doesn't seem to be judging me, just not sure how to take what I said.

"You think everybody breaks the law?"

"No, but I think that a lot of people who pretend to be good aren't and I know some people think your brother is bad, but he's good to you. He's good to me."

"He takes care of the family, even if he doesn't love us."

"You don't think he loves you?"

"Anna…" Shea trails off, looking conflicted. "Listen, my brother, he doesn't feel things like normal people."

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