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CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

UNA

I sat at the table, listening to the men talk. Roman’s guy had pulled security images for every traffic camera and the ones the businesses had, and they were studying them, clearly frustrated.

“My man in the fire department says they are all deliberately set. But no one is seen going into or coming out of these buildings before the fires start. No alarms. No unusual sightings.”

“Can they be setting off some sort of bomb remotely?”

“Yes, but how are they getting them in without being seen?” Niall asked, scrubbing his face. He looked tired, but he refused to budge, insisting this was more important than sleep.

I sipped my tea, looking toward the bag on the table and thinking I might have another bun. That sparked the memory of the young men in the street. It suddenly struck me as odd that after they’d rounded the corner, I hadn’t seen another grouping.

My hand froze as I recalled a long-forgotten memory involving Brian.

“Oh my God,” I gasped.

They all glanced my way. “Una?” Finn asked. “What is it?”

“As a kid, Brian used to love to steal things. Chocolate bars, bags of chips. Then he moved on to bigger things.”

Finn lifted an eyebrow. “This doesn’t shock me.”

I stood. “No, he didn’t just pocket them. His friends would go in, and they would distract the owner. Ask for something on the shelf or whatever. While they were busy, he would take what he wanted and leave before the owner even knew he’d been there. He’d wait outside until the owner wasn’t paying attention, so it was as if he had never even been there.”

They stared at me.

“What if that’s how they’re doing this? With distraction? I mean, it’s simple and effective.” I explained about the groups I’d seen today. “One has the device and plants it where it won’t be seen. Or knows where the basement is and hides until it’s time. The cameras are all on the front of the store and the road. They could start the fire, slip out a window or door at the back and run along the alley, coming out blocks from the fire. I saw a guy today—his bright-red sneakers caught my eye. He was with the first group but then appeared farther down the street alone, as if he’d stayed back.”

Finn exchanged a glance with Roman and Niall. He stood, his phone in his hand. Niall and Roman were already on theirs, and they were all talking, issuing orders. “Una, which stores were they in?” Finn asked, his eyes wild.

“The bakery and the convenience store.”

He snapped instructions into the phone. “I’m on my way.”

He grabbed his coat, stopping in front of me. “You are a fucking genius, Una.” He bent and kissed me hard. “Wait here. Don’t leave this room.”

They left, a flurry of movement. Roman squeezed my arm as he went past me. “Brilliant observation,” he breathed.

Niall winked at me. “Clever girl.”

I sat and waited.

* * *

I dozed, waking when gentle fingers trailed along my cheek. I sat up, Finn sitting beside me.

“Well?”

“We found two different devices,” he said, looking exhausted but relieved. “The bomb squad dismantled them.” He smiled, shaking his head. “You saved the bakery and the convenience store. The bakery would have burned, but the convenience store would have blown up and killed everyone in it.”

“Oh God.”

“Roman’s guy and mine searched the cameras during the daytime. They found what you saw and went back. Similar MOs happened on those days.”

“The same men?”

“Some. Every business was checked, and from now on, no groups are allowed in. We’re searching for the men.”

“How old were they?”

“Older than they looked. It was a simple plan. Make them look like kids. Locals. Go in and buy something. Order food to make them busy or take their time picking cupcakes—whatever. One hid the device. Or slipped away and hid it later.” He rubbed his face. “And you noticed it.”

“Because I was looking and I noticed his sneakers. And the neighborhood was new to me, so I was paying attention.”

“I’ve sent word to everyone about what is happening and to watch in their territories. I’m not sure if this is personal or if they’re trying to take over other areas.”

“What now?”

He showed me his phone. “This guy. He looked familiar, and I think I saw him at Lopez’s track.”

I studied the picture, my breath catching. “He looks like the man I saw watching me, but younger. But they have the same eyes.”

He looked upset and swiped his phone. “We found this too.”

I squinted at the screen. The same man was with another person, deep in discussion. I couldn’t see the face, but I recognized the hair. “Brian,” I breathed out.

“I think we found Juan, and despite Brian’s denials, I’m certain he’s part of Lopez’s circle and he’s giving them information. Your brother is in something deep, Una. Dangerous.” He waited, then said the word I knew was coming. “Unforgivable.”

My heart lurched, but for the first time, I said nothing. No pleading, no begging for another chance. Even I knew Brian had come to the end of the line.

“I don’t want to know, Finn. Don’t tell me,” I whispered. “Please.”

He was silent then nodded. “All right.”

I searched for a change of subject. I couldn’t handle what was going through my head.

“I need to go to my apartment tomorrow.”

“Why?”

“My dresses are there for performing. The super has installed a new lock, so I need to pick up the key. I want to get a few things.”

“Can you buy a dress here? Tomorrow is going to be—” he paused “—hectic, with everything I need to handle.”

“Couldn’t Tom come with me? I won’t be long. Get my dresses and the new key. Gather a few things. I won’t be alone.”

He sighed, the sound heavy. “I’ll see what I can arrange.”

“Thank you.”

He held out his hand. “Come to bed, mo chroí . I need to rest, and I need you with me to do so.”

I went willingly.

* * *

I didn’t sleep much, and neither did Finn. My mind was on Brian and what was going to happen. I felt as if I were already mourning him.

I knew Finn had even more on his mind, and I didn’t ask. I didn’t want to know. I admitted to myself I wasn’t sure I could stop myself from warning Brian, and I felt ashamed.

We were both quiet as we had breakfast. I nibbled on my toast, even my tea not holding any appeal.

“Una,” Finn said, breaking into my thoughts.

I met his eyes, feeling torn.

“I understand,” he said quietly. “He’s your brother. You still want to protect him.”

“You can’t trust me,” I whispered. “I can’t trust myself.”

He smiled, tracing a finger down my cheek. “I do trust you. But again, I understand. The way you love is an incredible gift, Una. Some people, however, don’t deserve it.”

“He did once.”

“You can’t separate the boy from the man he’s become. And I know you’re hurting.”

I had to look away, blinking.

“This isn’t an easy life at times,” he admitted. “I would rather hurt myself a hundred times than see you in pain. But my hands are tied here. He has physically hurt you. He’s on some sort of road of destruction and is coming after me. But I promise you this.” He took my hand. “I will find whoever put him on that road, and they will be punished.”

“And if you find out in some way it isn’t him?” I asked, even though I knew better.

“Then I will act accordingly.”

It was all I could ask from him.

* * *

FINN

I went to my office after agreeing to allow Una to go to her apartment and get her things. Tom would accompany her to keep her safe. I escorted her down to the car, disliking that she’d be out of my sight but knowing she needed to stay busy. I knew she was struggling. I hated the fact that I was responsible for that struggle, even though I had no choice.

And I hated that her tender heart still hoped.

Niall and Roman were in my office, and I was surprised to see Aldo as well. I shook his hand and sat down. “Something tells me I need to sit for this.”

“Pedro Lopez isn’t his real name. And he’s a black hole,” Roman informed me, not bothering with a greeting. “One of horror.”

“Fuck.”

“Wanted in several countries. He’s into some dark stuff. He’d disappeared off the map for a while. There were rumors of his death.” He paused. “Until now.”

Aldo shook his head. “Busy setting up shop here.”

“Tell me.”

“Hard-core drugs. Sex trafficking. Kidnapping. Weapons. Auctions—and not antiques.”

“How did you find him?”

“That picture you had of Juan. You said Una mentioned the resemblance between them was strong. I had my guy age it and start scanning on the dark web. He got a hit on the face. And Juan is his nephew. He is very much like his uncle. Sick, greedy, and twisted. They like to get their informants hooked and dependent.”

“Where is he getting the drugs? I haven’t heard any rumblings.”

Niall ran a hand through his hair. “I had our guy do some recon.” At Roman’s look, he shrugged. “You have your guy for the web. We have ours for drones. Exceptionally undetectable ones.”

“What did you find?” I asked.

“A barn set way out back on the property by the racetrack in a grove of trees. Almost impossible to see on the ground. Looked run-down, almost deserted. There was a small window open, hanging off as if the building was empty.”

“But it’s not,” I guessed.

“No. He directed the drone in and scoped it out. It looks new. Not used as a stable, though. Too far away from the track.”

“Any ideas?”

Niall looked grim. “I had him do another check. There were heat sources. A lot of them. Yet no one in the barn.”

“Underground,” Roman mused.

“A hidden lab,” I said with a curse.

He nodded.

“You think he’s manufacturing his own drugs?”

“Yes. His MO is to kidnap people and force them to make his drugs. They rarely are ever seen again. One guy escaped and told his story, and Pedro’s place was raided and destroyed. Pedro disappeared, just resurfacing now under a new last name and country.”

“We need to take him out.”

Roman nodded. “We need to plan this carefully. There are a lot of people’s lives at stake if we’re right.”

“I’m getting more drones over it today. And tonight. With cameras.”

We discussed ideas, plans. Luca joined in via video, offering his counsel, as horrified as we were to discover who Lopez was.

“We need him taken down,” he growled. “Fast.”

My phone rang, and I saw I was Una. I walked to the corner, answering.

“ Mo chroí . Is everything all right?”

Her gasping breaths let me know it wasn’t.

I held up my hand, effectively silencing the men behind me and switching to speaker.

“Una,” I said, keeping my voice calm. “What is it?”

Niall was on his feet, his phone to his ear. He stepped in the hallway, and I knew he was calling Tom.

All I heard was her panicked breathing. I could feel her terror.

“Una,” I repeated.

Niall walked in, shaking his head furiously. My heart dropped. I pointed to the door, and he nodded, knowing what I needed.

Backup at Una’s.

Now.

Then I heard it. A low, ugly laugh. Then a voice I recognized even with his over-the-top accent as he mocked me.

“Top o’ the morning to ya, Finn.”

I shut my eyes, reining in my fear and my anger. “Brian.”

“Isn’t this cozy?” he said, his words fast and hard. “Me, my little sister, and your dead guard.”

I heard Una whimper.

“Don’t hurt her, Brian. Jesus, man, you know how much she loves you.”

His laugh was bitter. “To a point, sure. But did she use you for what I needed? No. She got her cushy job. Her fucking place to sing. A nice place to live.”

“She worked for all that,” I said, not wanting to argue with him and make him angrier, but needing him to stay on the line. I needed time to get to her.

“I fucking worked too. Did I get the recognition? The bump up the ladder? No, it was always ‘fuck Brian.’ You think I don’t know that?”

“I’m sorry,” I lied. “I’ll come there, and we’ll talk it through.”

“Yes.” Una spoke, her voice shaky. “Finn will help you. I told you that. He’ll figure out what to do with the drugs you have hidden here, help get you clean, and we can forget all this!”

Drugs he had hidden?

I ground my teeth as I heard the sound of a slap and a pained gasp from Una.

“Brian,” I warned.

“Brian,” he mimicked. “I’m done listening to either of you. I want to just shoot her.”

My blood ran cold. “You can’t kill her. Your dad would be horrified. That’s not what he taught you. And I would hunt you down, Brian. I swear to God?—”

He interrupted me. “Ah, don’t worry, Finn. I ain’t gonna kill her. She’s worth far too much alive for me to do that.”

“What?”

“She’s my ticket to the good life.” He sniggered. “Finally good for something.”

Niall walked in, pantomiming with his hands. Men were on the way. I nodded. Roman looked up with a jerk of his chin. He had some on the way as well.

“But you aren’t getting her back. I sold her.”

I grabbed the back of the chair in front of me.

“What the fuck did you just say?”

“You heard me.” He paused. “Remember the other day, Finn? I said one day you’d ask for my help and I’d say fuck you.”

Una was sobbing somewhere behind him, the sound sending rage through me. I struggled to remain in control. I wasn’t above begging. Not for her. Anything for her.

“You sold her. Your sister.”

“Well, traded, really. My life for hers. Plus, a bunch of cash.”

“Don’t do this.” I swallowed. “I’ll give you anything you want. More money. Anything.”

There was a beat of silence.

“Fuck you.”

And he hung up.

I lost it. I picked up a mug close at hand, hurling it at the wall, cursing.

He had her. He had sold her.

Sold her. Like an inanimate object with no feelings.

And I knew who he had sold her to.

I turned, staring at the three men in my office.

“Fuck the casualties. This is war.”