Page 35 of Finn

“I told you, I’m working extra jobs.” He took another sip of coffee. “In fact, Juan and I are thinking of opening our own business.” He met my gaze. “I’m going to leave Finn’s crew.”

I felt my eyes widen. “Have you told him that?”

“No. Not yet. He won’t give a shit anyway.”

“You owe him a lot of money.”

“And I’ll pay him. But I’m tired of being treated like a chump,” he snarled. “I’ve been his whipping boy long enough.”

I was surprised at his tone and how quickly he became angry.

“Why do you dislike him so much?” I asked.

He ran a hand through his hair. “Why don’t I? He keeps me down, like a nobody. No promotions, no rewards. I’m just a grunt. After what Dad did for him, he should be fucking showing me gratitude. And you…” He trailed off, his anger getting the better of him. “He should be looking after me too. Not just you. I deserve it.”

I frowned. “You deserve it?”

“Yeah, I do,” he spat.

“Well, I hope the conversation goes well,” I soothed, feeling nervous. Brian was off today. Wound up tight. I could feel his agitation, and it was making me anxious. I didn’t want to provoke him.

He slammed his coffee cup down on the table, leaning forward. His anger rolled off him. “Do you, Una? Or do you hope he beats me again? Puts me in my place?”

“Your place?” I repeated, anxiety becoming fear.

“Below you. Never good enough. Always under Una, the perfect one.”

I forced a laugh. “I’m hardly perfect, Brian. You know that.”

He stood, towering over me. “Not to him,” he sneered. “He thinks you fucking walk on water. Even after you broke it off. He gets you a job in the new hotel. A place to sing. He’s always around. Fucking watching. Like a fucking pervert.”

“I don’t know why you’re so angry right now, Brian,” I said, forcing myself to stay calm. “But I think you should leave.”

For a moment, I thought he was going to explode. Then he sighed, every muscle loosening in his body. He shook his head.

“Sorry, Una.” He straightened. “Thanks for the coffee. I’ll get you more money as soon as I can.”

He walked out, and as soon as the door shut, I was out of my chair, snapping the dead bolt and leaning on the door, my heart racing.

What the hell was that all about?

I wasn’t sure, but I knew I needed to talk to Finn.

* * *

FINN

No phone call that happens at four a.m. brings any good news with it. Niall’s voice was thick when I answered.

“What happened?”

“Mum. She had a stroke.” He paused, and I heard him swallow. “It’s bad, Finn.”

“How bad?”

“Bad.”

“I’ll get the plane ready. I’m coming with you.”