Page 69 of Finn

“Which means nothing to me,” I snapped.

He stared at me without blinking. “I swear on my father’s grave.”

A beat passed.

“You know what he meant to me,” he added.

That was probably the most truthful thing Brian Murphy had ever said.

I looked at the money. Then at him.

The debt was paid. I could release him and watch him for a while. Add extra security to my territory and be vigilant. Make sure he wasn’t part of it.

Maybe he would find his own path. Maybe he would fail. Maybe he’d get mixed up with something else and meet his end. I had no expectations that he would actually work hard and stick to whatever plans he was hatching now.

But it wouldn’t be at my hands.

I could tell Una honestly I’d let him go. That I did as she asked, but tell her it was the last time.

Surely she could see how hard I was trying for her. This might be the only chance for us.

So, I grabbed it.

“You break your word, I’m coming for you. No holds barred. It won’t matter who you’re related to.”

“You won’t have to.”

“Who is Juan?” I asked out of the blue.

He looked surprised and cleared his throat. “My roommate.”

“Where did you meet him?”

“At the bar through some friends.”

“Is he part of Lopez’s crew?”

He frowned. “Lopez? No. I’m staying away from his place.”

“You better. Keep your nose clean, Brian. Try working hard. Applying yourself.”

He rolled his eyes as he stood. Resentment poured off him, all pretense of being contrite gone. “Thanks for the pep talk. One day, you might find you need my help, Finn. I’ll be only too pleased to tell you to go fuck yourself.”

“Watch your tone,” I snarled, standing. “I’m still⁠—”

He waved his hand. “You’re nothing to me now but my past.”

I gripped the desk, the edge of the wood splintering under my hands. I wanted to kill him. “Get out.”

He sauntered toward the door.

“I’ll be watching, Brian.”

“Yeah. Say hi to my sister while you’re doing that.”

He walked out.

I stared at the money, then at the door.