Page 109 of Arranged Addiction

“Thank you,” Donnell says, tears streaming down his face. “Oh, thank you, Declan, thank you, thank you.”

I push him away gently. Seamus and Finn return to drag him off once again. I let the crowd process what they just witnessed. One of the most powerful men in the city brought low, humiliated, and cast out of his own home state, only to thank me for it.

I can almost feel the mood shifting.

“Strength creates more strength,” I tell them, making a fist in the air. “Together we will run this city. Together we will be unbeatable.”

I leave the stage. There’s shouting and cheering behind me. I know my brothers are already in the crowd shaking hands and reassuring everyone that life as they knew it will continue. The money will keep on flowing.

All my theatrics are important, but it’s always cash in the end.

I find Donnell in the back room. He’s sitting on the couch, quietly sobbing to himself. I’ve never been more disgusted by a man in my entire life. To think that he once held so much power in my organization, only to turn his back because he wanted even more.

“Where is Senesi staying?”

He looks up and wipes his face. “I don’t know for sure.”

“There’s a house on Long Island.”

A flicker of recognition passes over him. “He might’ve mentioned a place like that once or twice.”

“You really were working with him.” I shake my head at the sheer insanity of it.

“The man’s good at what he does. I wanted to win.”

“But look at you now.”

He nods miserably. “He’s on Long Island. I’m sure about that.”

“Thank you.” I help Donnell to his feet and steer him to the back exit. “My car’s waiting for you.”

“My wife… she knows already? My daughters will be okay? You’re merciful, Declan, just like your father. I don’t deserve it.”

“No, you don’t.” We step into the back alley. As the door bangs shut behind us, I shove Donnell hard against the wall and draw my gun.

“What are you doing?” He blinks at me rapidly as blood rolls down from a cut in his forehead.

“Did you really think I’d ever let you fucking walk? You worked with the man trying to kill my fucking wife. You were a useful prop, and now your use is over.”

“Please, Declan. My wife… my daughters…”

“They’ll be fine. I’m sure your wife will find a new husband.”

I press the gun against his head and pull the trigger.

Blood and brain matter explode against the wall behind him. His corpse crumbles to the ground in a heap. I step back and sigh. Gore coats my shoes. I kick some away.

“I told you we should’ve just strangled him.” Cormac comes up behind me, shaking his head. “Instead, you had to make a mess.”

“It felt good.” I slip my gun back into its holster. “Did anyone inside hear?”

“Most likely. They’ll wonder what happened. There will be rumors.”

“Good. I want them to worry.”

“Did you get what you needed?”

“Long Island, just like we thought.”