Page 78 of Endure the Pain

He let me leave. That night was the first night in seven years I didn’t dream.

CHAPTER 25

It took damn near the whole week to figure out a way to handle Detective Brooks. I debated killing him. But it would raise too many questions from both Stefan and Detective Cameron. I had a feeling the bastard would glue himself to my ass if his partner mysteriously disappeared.

That left me no choice but to give Brooks what he wanted. Information.

If anyone in the family found out…

Not even Stefan would be able to save me.

Being a rat was an automatic bullet to the head.

“Maura,” Stefan said, pulling me from my thoughts.

I peered across the table to where he sat.Shit.I had zoned out in the middle of our family meeting. “Yes?”

“Sean says you’re refusing to tell him where you’re storing the recent delivery from the Colombians.” Stefan’s tone wasn’t accusing, but factual. We’d barely interacted since he’d told me about my mother. He was wisely giving me space and time.

“And she lied about when it was delivered,” Sean added, his irritation lacing his words. I may or may nothave lied and said our shipment of cocaine was to be delivered yesterday when it had really come two days ago. I wondered how long Sean had waited down at the docks until he had figured it out.

It was hard not to smile. “As I’ve already told you, Sean, Detective Cameron let it slip that he knew about McLoughlin’s. I was worried about what else he might have known, which is why I acted fast and switched things up.”

“You still could have told me of your plans,” Sean argued.

I suddenly found my nails very fascinating. The paint on my middle finger was chipped. It had to be a sign that I used it too much. I certainly wanted to use it then.“It’s never wise to speak of such things over the phone. You never know who might be listening,” I lied, and I didn’t care that it was obvious.

“Then you shouldn’t have any issue telling me where you’re hiding the shipment now and when you plan to meet with De Luca,” Sean sneered, thinking he had bested me.

I grinned. “I plan to meet with the don tonight.”

Sean scowled, face turning slightly red when I didn’t offer up anything else.

Rourke coughed to cover up his laughter.

“Maura,” Stefan said gently.

My smile dropped as I looked at my father. “Yes, Stefan?”

His hand that was resting on the table clenched before he dropped it to his lap. “Where are you hiding the shipment?”

“I don’t know,” I replied simply.

Louie snorted, then cleared his throat. Stefan gave him a sharp look.

“Sorry,” Louie mumbled.

Stefan sighed. “What do you mean you don’t know?”

I wore a mask of innocence. “Well, I’ve had such a busy week with almost being blown up and finding out that my mother is alive. You could say I’ve been feeling delicate, especially in my current condition. So I decided to take your advice and not take on everything myself.” I shrugged and I caught Stefan tense up when I mentioned my mother. “I delegated some of my responsibilities to Finn.” I looked at Sean. “Have you ever heard of pregnancy brain? It causes women to be forgetful at times. I suppose that’s why I didn’t even think to ask you for help. I just completely forgot about you.” He had already tried to use my pregnancy against me. I figured I might as well use his ammunition to my advantage.

“Pregnancy brain,” Sean repeated dryly. Then he looked to Stefan for backup.

I almost laughed when Stefan said to me, “Moving forward, try to remember to include Sean in your plans.”

“Of course,” I agreed, smirking at Sean. “We’re meeting him tonight at his club, Show 'n Tail, in Bridgeport.”

“If no one has anything else to add, let's call it a day,” Stefan said, dismissing everyone. As I went to stand, his eyes locked with mine. “Maura, a word. Alone.”