Page 61 of Finn

I sighed, knowing I had to talk to her.

I unclipped my seat belt, leaning close and taking her hands. “Una.”

She tilted her head. “I don’t like that tone.”

“I promised you honesty. Always.”

“You did. Something bad is going on in Toronto, isn’t it?”

I told her what Roman had reported.

Then I said one word. “Brian.”

“What does a rogue gang have to do with him?” she asked. “You think he’s behind this?”

I explained about the drugs, his aggression, plus the fact that he had walked out.

As if it were a regular nine-to-five job.

Una knew better.

“And you allowed that.” She paused and swallowed. “Because of me.”

“I wasn’t there, and Roman didn’t want to overstep. He, ah, knows the complications there are about Brian.”

Her eyes widened. “He was fidgety and tense the last time I saw him. Jittery.” She looked angry. “I can’t believe he’s doing drugs. Dad always lectured both of us about that. Stay away from drugs. Too much alcohol. Use protection.”

My eyebrows flew up, and she smiled. “That was directed at Brian more than me.”

I smiled at her attempt at levity. I could see the pain in her eyes.

“Brian muttered something about a new venture with his roommate.” She furrowed her brow. “Did he quit too? Juan?”

I shook my head. “I don’t know a Juan.”

“Oh. I assumed he was on the crew and that was how Brian knew him.”

“No.” But the name made me pause. Hadn’t there been a Juan when I’d gone to see Lopez? Some young kid in the background. Was it a coincidence?

“Una,” I began, but she shook her head.

“You tell me all the time that things have changed. People leave. They decide the life isn’t for them, and you let them go.” Her voice held a note of desperation.

“Yes.” I leaned closer, a hint of irritation seeping into my tone. “After conversations, when rules are laid out and complete respect and loyalty are shown.” I shook my head. “Your brother has never shown either of those things—especially after your dad passed.”

“He died because he was protecting you,” she whispered.

I reared back. “And I looked after him. He showed me loyalty, and I showed him the same thing.”

“But he died and you’re alive.”

“Your father was a good soldier, Una. He did his duty, and he knew the risks. He’d taken them for years before me.” I stared at her. “You said you understood. I thought you didn’t blame me.”

She rubbed her forehead. “I don’t. I’m just upset.” She reached over and grasped my hand. “Please, Finn, can’t you do something? Is this about the money he owes you? I can⁠—”

My anger took hold, and I cut her off. “I haven’t given the damn money a single thought, but since you brought it up, that pisses me off too. You will not be paying a penny of it. It’s his careless debt, not yours. When will you stop protecting him and treating him like an innocent party? He needs to take responsibility, not you!” I roared.

She looked stunned at my ire.