Page 102 of Finn

“Good.”

“Any decision on Brian?”

“Yes. Una said he is to be cremated, and she’ll bury him with her mum and dad. She wants a private funeral. Our crew has been informed he died a hero helping us. I am doing that for her. And I already informed the morgue. It will happen quickly before questions are asked.”

“All right.”

“My focus is back on the territory and the hotel. My priority, though, is Una and helping her through this.”

“Of course.”

“She told me Anna grew up in a family that ran summer rentals. She has experience in the industry—at least loosely. I am going to offer to put her in our apprentice program here and give her a room to live in until she’s ready to face the outside world.” I looked over at the way the women were sitting facing each other, quietly talking like old friends. “She helped Una. I owe her.” Then I smiled at Niall. “I like her too.”

He looked at them, a softening of his eyes telling me what I needed to know. But he kept his voice neutral. “Whatever you think is best, Finn.”

“Where did she sleep last night?” I asked out of the blue.

He frowned. “In the bedroom. I thought she’d be more comfortable than on the sofa.”

“Ah.” I leaned over the table. “Where did you sleep?”

He narrowed his eyes, standing and pushing his chair back. “Feck off. She was screaming. I had to stay with her.”

Then he stalked away.

Leaving me hiding my grin.

Interesting, indeed.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

FINN

I had always thought of Una as brave. Fearless. She handled her problems and the world she’d been forced to live in with a determination and acceptance that belied her young age.

Watching her the day we buried her brother only proved she was all that, as well as pure grace under pressure.

I had let it be known that her brother’s past, especially the last weeks of his life, was buried with him. His death was the result of fighting with us. He saved his sister’s life, and that was how he was being remembered. I would allow nothing else to be said about him. With that single act, he had cleared away his past deeds, and I would always owe him for that.

I had a feeling that even without Brian, Lopez would have gotten to Una, his obsession for her that deep. The information Roman’s man had found on the deceased criminal made the hair on my neck stand on end. I was grateful he was dead.

I watched as she thanked people for coming to the service. Made sure they had a drink and food. Much like the day I had seen her at her dad’s funeral. Looking out for everyone but herself. Only this time, I was beside her, a silent sentinel, my presence signaling to everyone who she belonged to. And I looked after her, making her sit, ensuring she ate. Handling any detail that happened so she could mourn quietly and listen to the good things people had to say about Brian. His humor. Stories of him and his dad. I was grateful when those made her smile. To allow her to recall there had been some good in him. I had to believe there was, given how she loved him.

It wasn’t a large crowd, but many from the syndicate were there, paying their respects and shaking my hand, our united front clear.

Una requested a private graveside gathering, so it was only us as she placed the small urn beside her parents’ graves. I stepped back, giving her the privacy she needed. Her lips moved in a low whisper as she crouched by the small plot, and I knew she was telling her brother words she wanted to share with him and no one else.

I looked around the mostly empty graveyard. It was overcast and gray. Drizzly. The somber weather matching the occasion.

Una stepped back, taking my proffered hand. She was pale, quiet, and still so beautiful in her grief. I knew she was struggling to find her feet, and I also knew there was a conversation we had to have.

One I dreaded.

Back at the hotel, she changed into warm leggings and one of my sweaters. She felt constantly cold these days and needed as much warmth as she could find. I changed as well, ordering tea for her and coffee for me. She wrapped her hands around the mug, inhaling the bergamot fragrance.

“You could save a lot of money and make the tea in the room yourself,” she murmured.

I smiled at her gentle scolding. “It’s all my money, Una. It doesn’t really matter.”