“I’m guessing you haven’t seen the local news today?”
Angelo stared at the TV that he hadn’t turned on even once in his room. “No.”
“One of the local police departments announced that one of their officers was attacked. His uniform and car were stolen. They found the car abandoned, but no uniform or weapons were recovered.”
“So the man who attacked me wasn’t a cop,” Angelo guessed.
“Yeah. After your encounter with him, he may or may not abandon that uniform. We won’t know for sure. At least we know he’s not a police officer. That works in our favor. It means we can get their help regarding Kara.”
Angelo sighed. “I’m afraid it’s not that easy.”
“What do you mean?”
“I talked to Kara earlier today. I got her to tell me about herself.”
“Oh?”
“She’s not in witness protection. She is the daughter of an Irish mobster named Sean O’Brien.” Angelo quickly relayed to Jared what Kara had told him.
“Sean O’Brien,” Jared murmured. “Let’s see what I can dig about that. Is he Chicago mob?”
Angelo thought back. “New York and Dublin.”
“Got it.” Angelo heard a keyboard clicking in the background as Jared typed.
“She said he died less than a year ago. She also thinks he has connections just about everywhere, including the Chicago police.”
“Okay,” Jared replied and then he hissed out a breath. “Shit, Angelo. You should see what came up in the search history forO’Brien. This guy was bad news. There’s over a dozen court cases, newspaper articles… yep, allegations of police on the take… But he’s dead, so why would his men still be coming after Kara?”
“Her mother said he may have promised to give Kara to his second-in-command. Kara guessed that’s what they are after, that she is a prize they were promised.”
“So… you’re telling me we’re going up against the Irish mob, and we can’t get the police involved?” Jared replied. “Just want to be clear here.”
“Looks like.”
Angelo’s heart warmed when Jared said “we” without question or hesitation.
Years ago, his mother and father had sent him to an expensive boarding school so he could have some time to himself. As the oldest of his siblings, he’d been saddled with a lot of responsibilities helping to raise his younger brothers, and his parents had wanted to give him some freedom to discover himself before going to college.
His younger brothers had matriculated at a local public school, but Angelo had thrived at the private boarding school. He’d roomed with Thad and Jared throughout Senior year in a three bedroom suite in the dorms, and they’d become their own version of the three musketeers. Those bonds were still as strong as ever. Neither Jared nor Thad would leave him hanging, even if Angelo took on the entire Irish mob. He didn’t take that bond of loyalty lightly and felt the weight of responsibility it carried. Angelo had to do everything in his power to keep Kara safe, and his friends and families safe.
“Fortunately, Roarke got back to me, and was eager to help once he heard what happened. He’s going to send a man to stay outside of your hospital door with you until you’re released. He’salso sending one to your house to keep an eye on your family and Kara.”
“Thanks.” He made a note to schedule Roarke and Shana a private dining experience on the house once he was feeling better. Come to think of it, he’d love to take Kara there and cook dinner for her.
Jared continued, unaware of Angelo’s straying thoughts. “I’ll do some more digging. We need to know who’s in charge now that O’Brien is dead,” Jared said and then paused. “I know you aren’t going to like this, but…” Jared paused for a moment. “Don’t get mad at me for suggesting this, but maybe you should talk to the Cabrini Kings? I know they eat at your restaurant all the time. You have a relationship with them.”
“I cook their food. That’s it.” Angelo didn’t want to think about the Cabrinis. They were a dangerous family. Whatever help they’d offer, it would come with a price.
“Angelo, just hear me out. I’m not saying you should ask them for a favor. We both know that doesn’t end well. But if they happened to hear that O’Brien’s people are sniffing around, they might take an interest in helping keep the Westies off their turf.”
Angelo heaved a sigh. “I’ll think about it.” He really didn’t want to get tangled with the Italian mob.
The Cabrini family was comprised of four members, three brothers and one sister. The brothers were notoriously dangerous, but they also had a code of honor, as twisted as it was, and held fast to it. Angelo had made it clear that when they dined at his restaurant, they were not to talk business or close business deals. They hadn’t been pleased, but they had respected his conditions. They had a long standing monthly family dinner on Sunday nights in one of his private back rooms.
“Hey, They like your food. That gives you an ‘in’ right?” Jared said with a chuckle.
Angelo’s laugh hurt his chest. “I never thought I’d be trying to figure out what my ‘in’ would be with the Italian mafia.”
