Page 124 of Hunt Me

As I rattled off a few statements in my native language, including various phrases used for Irishman, she shook her head each time. I could see her anxiety increasing.

“I’m sorry. Nothing at all like that.”

“We’ll keep trying.” If that was even going to be necessary. “I want you to pack a bag and come with me.”

“You’re kidnapping me again?” The teasing lilt in her voice was a good surprise.

“No, I want you to come of your own free will, but that doesn’t mean I won’t lock you in my bedroom.” I rubbed her face and almost instantly my cock was hard as a rock.

“I don’t think I’d mind that.” Her smile turned into a frown. “You’re worried I’m in danger.”

“I’m concerned things are going to become difficult and I need to keep you close until everything comes to pass.”

“You’re going after the O’Shaughnessy family. Aren’t you?”

“I’m going to do what I need to protect my family. Unfortunately, that could mean your father will be caught in the crosshairs.”

She thought about what I was saying and nodded. “My father knows the difference in right and wrong. He asked me to trust him, so maybe we’re wrong. But if not, I can’t stand behind him while he destroys you. I won’t allow that to happen.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“Then pack.”

Leaning forward, she pressed her hand against my chest. “Just remember that you’re a good man deep inside. Don’t forget who you are and what you’ve worked so hard to achieve.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” I waited where I was as she left the room, frustrated there’d been no word, no inclination of where Connor was hiding. But I would find him if it was the last thing I did.

The ringtone of my phone indicated Kazimir was calling. I answered without hesitation, maybe hopeful he had some news that wouldn’t irritate me more than I already was. “What did you find?”

“We have a source. He’s not happy about being in a holding position, but he knows something.”

“Then I’ll be right there.” I immediately dialed Alexsey’s number as I stood. At least we were getting somewhere. “Alexsey. I have a guest coming to stay with me. I need you to look out for her and to let her in the house. Kazimir found a source who has some information. I want you to stay with her until I return. Can you do that?”

“Sure. Is this the mayor’s daughter?”

“Da, and she’s become even more important. Keep her safe.”

“With my life, brother. With my life.”

I ensured Bristol wasn’t paying attention before continuing the conversation. “What about our mayor’s finances?”

“Interesting would be the word. I can’t find a single offshore account and there are no large deposits for years.”

“But…”

“But the story is different twenty-two years ago. A large deposit of two hundred thousand dollars was made right around the time then-prosecutor Rork had Connor’s sentence reduced. But it gets weirder.”

“Keep talking.”

“The exact same amount was written as a check only a couple weeks later, the money returned. You’d need to check the dates, but I’ll take a wild bet the transaction occurred around the time you torched the amusement park.”

“O’Shaughnessy didn’t take kindly to his bribe being returned.” Yes, the news was fascinating, but didn’t mean Sebastian hadn’t discovered a different and more clever way of taking payoffs, including through a dummy corporation and through… charitable donations similar to what his wife was handling.

I laughed. “Keep looking. There are anomalies. Sebastian Rork isn’t going full court press against us without a reason.”

“I have some people working on it.”