Page 97

The stage is set.Now, I need leverage.There’s tension between Seamus and Eamon.I don’t know the details.I don’t need to.If there’s friction, there’s opportunity.

Making my way downstairs, I find him exactly where I expect, in Eamon’s office.His broad frame is leaning over the desk, scanning through something on the computer.

He doesn’t look up when I step inside.“You lost?”

Stepping forward, I reply, “Not at all.”

His sigh is slow, irritated.“What do you want, Aoife?”

I close the door behind me and lean against it.“I need your help.”

That gets his attention.He straightens in his seat, his eyes narrowing.

“My help?”His tone is edged with surprise.“And why would I do that?”

“Because you’re smarter than the rest of them.”

Seamus scoffs, arms crossing over his chest.“Flattery’s not going to get you what you want.”

I tilt my head, offering him a softer smile.“It’s not flattery if it’s true.”

He watches me, waiting for the catch.I sigh, letting just a hint of vulnerability slip into my voice.“Look, I know you don’t trust me, and I can’t blame you.”I glance away briefly as if hesitating.“But I want to prove myself.I want to help.”

Seamus narrows his eyes.“Help with what, exactly?”

I take another careful step forward.“Ruairi.This fight between him and Eamon.It’s spiraling.It’s going to get worse, and we both know that.”I pause, lowering my voice even more.“I want to stop it before it does.”

“Keep talking,” he says.

“I know I don’t have power in this world,” I continue, keeping my tone even, steady.“Not yet.But I have information.Connections.And I’m in a position to move between both sides in a way no one else can.”I meet his gaze, my expression sincere.

He lets out a slow breath.“And what exactly do you want from me?”

Ruairi

Bridget watchesme from across the room, arms crossed, her expression tight with concern."What else did she say?"

I sigh, running a hand through my hair."She asked to meet.Said it was time to put an end to this."I exhale, forcing down my frustration."She needs to cut ties with O’Sullivan.Whatever this is between them, it ends tonight."

Bridget shakes her head."That’s not what’s important right now."

"Like hell it’s not.That bastard is using her.If she stays wrapped up in his world, it won’t end well for her."

My wife crosses her arms, stubborn as ever."The most important thing is getting her home.Everything else will fall into place the way it’s supposed to."

"It almost sounds like you don’t care if she’s with him."

She holds my gaze, unwavering."I don’t."

"You can’t be serious."

"If he treats her well, if she’s happy, who are we to stand in the way?"

I shake my head, my hands clenching at my sides."No.That’s not how this works."

She gives me a skeptical look but doesn’t push.Instead, she asks, "When will you be home?"

I grab my keys off the counter."I’m staying the night in Dublin.I’ll be back first thing in the morning."