Page 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

FINN

I scrubbed my hand over my face, cursing inwardly. I studied the picture Roman put in front of me and shook my head.

“That isn’t Brian Murphy.”

Roman frowned. “Are you sure?”

“You’ve seen him. His hair is red, and he has so many freckles his face almost looks the same color at times.” I tapped the grainy picture. “This guy’s hair is too dark, and his skin is clear. Not Brian.”

I sat down, feeling relief. I still had to deal with him, but I didn’t have to kill him—yet.

“The guy on the crew swore it was him. Said it sounded just like him.”

“I have lots of men with a trace of an accent. Brian picked it up from his dad and hanging with the crew. The guy heard someone who sounded like Murphy during a panicked arson attack. He could have been mistaken.” I looked at the grainy picture. “This guy is clean-shaven. Murphy isn’t. He’s always sporting a beard. Or what might pass as one.”

Roman grunted.

“Are there any other pictures?”

“No, the camera was knocked out of place. In both cases, which makes me think it’s someone who knows your business.”

“Murphy wasn’t up on all the details. Especially lately since I had him doing grunt work.”

“You’ve got men looking for him?”

“Yeah.”

I looked out the window, feeling weary. I hadn’t stopped since I’d stepped back into the hotel. The arson and the gang attacks were my priority. Without Niall, I was burning the candle at both ends, and I hadn’t been to my suite except for a quick shower that morning.

And I hadn’t talked to or seen Una. By the time I could call her last night, it was too late, and I assumed she’d be sleeping. I didn’t want to text her, thinking I would see her in the hotel and we’d be able to talk for a moment, but that hadn’t happened. Another business was raided and a lot of damage done, and I’d been there with my men since three a.m. trying to figure out what was happening and why.

As soon as I was done with Roman, I planned on calling her. Except my phone rang, and the last words I expected to hear were uttered.

“Brian Murphy is at the warehouse, and he’s asking for you.”

“I’m on my way.”

I stood, pulling down my sleeves. “This should be interesting.”

“You want backup?”

I shook my head, holding out my hand. “I’ve got my men. You’ve been more than generous with your time, Roman. Go home to your family with my gratitude. I owe you.”

He stood, accepting my handshake. “I’ve always prided myself on sizing up a person quickly, Finn. Whatever he has to say, watch Brian Murphy. He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. His sister is amazing, but he is trouble. If you need me, call me. If you need backup, it’s yours. Someone is messing with you, which messes with our old territory, and it still means something to me. And Luca. We’ll have your back.”

“I appreciate it.”

He nodded and left. I grabbed my jacket, looking longingly at the monitor. I knew Una would be at the front desk. I wanted to see her, but I was afraid if I did, I wouldn’t be able to resist going to her. I missed her so much it was a physical ache.

But the bottom line was her brother was still standing between us, and I needed to handle that before I could deal with the problems he brought to our relationship.

I picked up my phone and walked away.

* * *

Brian looked like shit. He was paler than usual, his freckles a bright map of color all over his face. His spartan beard was even more so today, patches of white and red on his chin and jowls.

I studied him, thinking how upset his father would be. Jim prided himself on honor and loyalty. Working hard. He passed that on to his youngest. It apparently had skipped right over Brian. Even on the thin ice he was skating, he was sitting down, picking at his nails as if he hadn’t a care in the world.

Without a word, I grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, pinning him to the wall.

“What the fuck game are you playing, Murphy? You’re lucky I haven’t simply ended you.”

“You won’t,” he smirked. “Because you like fucking my sister.”

I didn’t hold back as I punched him. He doubled over, gasping for air. I gripped his neck, pushing his head into the hard wall. “One more word like that about your sister and I’ll end you, regardless of the consequences.”

He stared at me, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled for breath. I squeezed, enjoying the way his eyes bulged and he clawed at my hands. Then I pulled back, letting him drop to the floor. I sat behind the old desk.

“You have five minutes to convince me not to kill you.”

He struggled to his feet and sat on the scarred wooden chair. “I’m sorry.”

I lifted an eyebrow. “That’s the best you’ve got?”

He glared but took a deep breath. “I was angry the other day when Roman was at the warehouse. Out of line. I said a lot of shit. I apologize.”

“You were high.”

“I was in pain, and I took too many pills.”

I didn’t believe it for a second, but I let it go. I didn’t care if he drugged himself to death. It would make my life easier.

“And? You need to start talking, Brian, before I start shooting.”

He held out his hands. “Come on, Finn. Let’s be honest. You hate me. I dislike you. You’re happy to see the end of me.”

“You know it’s not that easy.”

He huffed. “I swore an oath, and I’ll keep it.”

“What do you know of the new gang that has suddenly appeared?”

“Nothing. I’m busy with my new venture.”

“Which is?”

He lifted his shoulders, rolling his neck. “I don’t have to tell you what I have planned except it has nothing to do with you or your world.”

I counted to ten. If Niall were here, Brian would already be dead from the tone he was speaking to me in. Once again, it was Una and her love for this useless boy in front of me that protected him.

“You owe me a huge amount of money.”

Brian nodded and reached for a bag, placing it on the desk. “Here it is in full.”

I stood, opening the bag carefully, and stared at the contents. “Who have you borrowed this from?”

He shook his head. “I’ve paid my debt. I gave you my word.”

“Which means nothing to me,” I snapped.

He stared at me without blinking. “I swear on my father’s grave.”

A beat passed.

“You know what he meant to me,” he added.

That was probably the most truthful thing Brian Murphy had ever said.

I looked at the money. Then at him.

The debt was paid. I could release him and watch him for a while. Add extra security to my territory and be vigilant. Make sure he wasn’t part of it.

Maybe he would find his own path. Maybe he would fail. Maybe he’d get mixed up with something else and meet his end. I had no expectations that he would actually work hard and stick to whatever plans he was hatching now.

But it wouldn’t be at my hands.

I could tell Una honestly I’d let him go. That I did as she asked, but tell her it was the last time.

Surely she could see how hard I was trying for her. This might be the only chance for us.

So, I grabbed it.

“You break your word, I’m coming for you. No holds barred. It won’t matter who you’re related to.”

“You won’t have to.”

“Who is Juan?” I asked out of the blue.

He looked surprised and cleared his throat. “My roommate.”

“Where did you meet him?”

“At the bar through some friends.”

“Is he part of Lopez’s crew?”

He frowned. “Lopez? No. I’m staying away from his place.”

“You better. Keep your nose clean, Brian. Try working hard. Applying yourself.”

He rolled his eyes as he stood. Resentment poured off him, all pretense of being contrite gone. “Thanks for the pep talk. One day, you might find you need my help, Finn. I’ll be only too pleased to tell you to go fuck yourself.”

“Watch your tone,” I snarled, standing. “I’m still?—”

He waved his hand. “You’re nothing to me now but my past.”

I gripped the desk, the edge of the wood splintering under my hands. I wanted to kill him. “Get out.”

He sauntered toward the door.

“I’ll be watching, Brian.”

“Yeah. Say hi to my sister while you’re doing that.”

He walked out.

I stared at the money, then at the door.

He was lying. I knew it as sure as I knew my own name. Whatever he’d done to get this money was bad news. He was too brave suddenly. As if he had a secret.

I shook my head, knowing I had just made a mistake, and I had no one to blame but myself.

And that made me angry.

* * *

I headed back to the hotel and went to my suite. I stood in the shower, feeling the heat on my skin. I scrubbed myself, as if washing away the grit of the day. Wishing I could wash away the past couple of days and not have argued with Una. Refused to let her walk away. I stepped from the shower, towel-drying my hair, feeling the exhaustion catching up with me. I glanced at my watch, deciding I would order some food, then go see her. Talk to her and clear the air. Lay it all on the table without any other ears listening.

I ordered a sandwich and poured myself a whiskey, calling Niall to check in.

“They’re releasing her tomorrow,” he informed me. “I’ve set up all the care, and I plan to stay a couple of days to make sure she’s settled.”

Knowing the line was secure, I told him everything that had happened, including a shortened version of the fight with Una.

He sighed. “If I’d been there, I’d have put a bullet in him. Una could have hated me instead.”

I chuckled, draining my whiskey and pouring another generous finger or two into my glass. “I’ve never been so torn.”

“You aren’t with anything else. It’s just this fucked-up situation.” He paused. “I hope you don’t regret this, Finn. More than if you had taken him out. Or put out the word to do so.”

“I think I will,” I replied honestly. “Something is up.”

“Then we need to figure it out. Fast. And take Roman up on his offer. Get some extra men on security.”

“I’ll call him in the morning.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

He rang off and I sighed, going to the door when I heard the discreet knock. I took my sandwich and ate it, barely tasting it, running my finger over my phone constantly. I wanted to call Una, but the need to see her was stronger. I finished my sandwich and stood, my phone ringing as I did.

“O’Reilly.”

“Boss, we got another one.”

I shut my eyes. “On my way.”

* * *

The next morning, I was almost delirious with exhaustion. I hadn’t slept in days. Last night, two businesses had been torched in my territory. Neither was mine, but they were local owners who watched their lives go up in smoke. By the time I dealt with the fire department, the families, and relocating them since they lived over their stores, it was dawn. Neither of them had good enough surveillance, so I spent a significant chunk of time with my team and a company arranging more cameras in various areas. I needed to catch whoever this was. I added extra men and called Roman, asking for additional help.

“I still have lots of men who would work,” he assured me. “I’ll get some to your place, and you dispatch them where needed.” He paused. “You need me to send Aldo? He can help run the crew.”

I paused. “No. Niall is back soon. But if I change my mind, I’ll let you know.”

“I’ll be in touch.”

I smelled of smoke and ash. I was covered in soot and dirt. I headed to my suite and once again stood under the showerhead, but the spray didn’t ease the tension. Until I figured this out, I couldn’t relax.

Brian Murphy wasn’t smart enough to plan and execute something like this. But someone hated me enough and was raging a vendetta against me.

I needed to figure out who before more people were hurt.

I stepped from the shower.

But first, I needed to see Una. The rest of the world could wait.