Page 81 of Pretty Vengeance

War’s silence stretches outward, beckoning me to keep going.

“I’m gonna kill the man’s son.”

“When and where?”

“There’s a complication. We know him. Had an altercation with him.”

“Allendale?” The fact that War’s mind works it out in an instant says a lot about how sharp he is.

I nod. “Allendale.”

“Is that why you got involved with the girl? To confirm the family connection to your brother?”

“No.” Swallowing, I shake my head. “When I met her, I had no idea. But she knows the family secrets. And she knows I know.”

He gives me a hard look. “Why the fuck would you show her your hand?”

“Shouldn’t have. I was looking for a different answer. I wanted her to be innocent—to have no idea.”

War’s eyes narrow thoughtfully. “The dad has a history as a sex offender?”

So, he’s worked that part out too, from the little I said. “Never been caught.”

“Then how would she know? And why would she admit knowing?”

I shrug. “We didn’t get that far before I ended things and threw her out of the house.”

Drawing in a breath and then blowing it out, he shakes his head. “Doing the brother now is dicey. You should let some time pass. Then it would be less likely anyone would believe her if she pointed a finger at you.”

“I’m not waiting. The man who caused my brother’s death has been living his life without consequences for too long already. But I will understand if you don’t want any part of this.”

War glances over at me. “I’m in. Unless you intend to get caught? So you can rub the dad’s nose in it that you’re avenging your brother? If so, you don’t need me or anyone.”

“No, not planning to get caught. One O’Rourke has already lost his life because of Robert Allendale. I want to take my life back, not forfeit it.”

“So, Brad Allendale, when and where?”

“Florida. This week.”

“Florida’s better than Massachusetts, if we can cover our tracks well enough.” War stares at the rocky embankment and nods. “Yeah. We can make it work.”

Just like that, I’m no longer alone.

Now, it’s a murder conspiracy.

I didn’t realize how much it would mean for a mate to show that kind of loyalty. To risk his own freedom. And the future he’s been building.

Blood will seal it. I’ll owe War the same kind of loyalty. And one day, maybe when I’m back living a normal life in Ireland, I’ll have to set that aside and step up for him. Am I willing to do it? Yeah, I am. There’s no turning back for me. I’m already too far gone.

Besides, I’ll never have the brother I grew up with. This has become the best alternative.

Brothers bound together by spilling the blood of others.

So be it.

36

SAWYER