Page 66 of No Lies No Promises

“What?” I nearly choke. “Why the hell would he do that?”

“Boyle and him have a rivalry dating back to their childhoods. He’ll love pulling one over on Liam”

It takes a moment to force the food down my throat. “For the sake of discussion, let’s say we can convince Liam that his childhood nemesis snatched his daughter. What’s next?”

“The Irishman exchanges her for proof Pearson is dead.”

“Okay, now I’m confused.” Sitting back on the leather furniture, I study Dante, wondering if he’s lost his mind.

In the silence, Dante grabs a sandwich. “The Dublin shootout has gone viral online. Parkhaven investors are pulling out. Fitzpatrick is about to lose a shit ton of money. The scapegoat? Our friend, Pearson. When we’re done, we’ll give Jeff over to Fitz.”

Sighing, I scrape my palm across my chin. “Listen, I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but no one’s going to believe Liam will exchange a fake dead Pearson for his live daughter.”

Eyes on me, my friend chews and swallows. “You’re wrong. The idea is so outlandish, it’s perfect.”

“First off,” I hold up an index finger. “Liam won’t want to get his hands dirty. He’ll hire outside help.”

Dante snatches a water bottle, twisting off the cover. “We’re counting on it. His hitman will be one of our guys. We’ll stage Jeff’s death. Makeup, not a bullet hole through his forehead. Then, we ask our willing Fitz to arrange a swap where we grab Boyle.”

“That’s the plan?” I rub my hand over the back of my neck. “You play a dangerous game, my friend. Liam’s going to want proof of death.”

“No. He doesn’t give a shit about Pearson. His daughter is his only concern.”

“And Fitz? Other than cheating Liam, what does he get out of this?”

“I told you. I’ll tell him where to find Pearson after we’re done. You in or not?”

It’s not like I have a better idea. “Sure. Let’s do this.”

“There’s one more thing.” Dante’s expression turns grave. “Stanley says Pearson and Boyle are either working together…or out to destroy each other.”

“Jesus.” I shake my head. “Parkhaven was laundering money. That’s Liam’s sweet spot. If he wasn’t an investor…”

“He was in direct competition.” As Dante finishes my thought, I sigh.

“I can make Pearson talk. You don’t need to kidnap my girlfriend.”

“True… but answer me this. Will she bolt? Risk her life to save everyone else?” His question freezes my soul because his observation is spot on.

“Christ Almighty, Dante, we do this, and she’ll never forgive me.” While I sweat, my boss studies me for the longest time.

“If it’s love, you’ll get through this. She’ll realize you have her best interests at heart, the same way you understood why she kept your grandmother’s location from you. Otherwise…” He shrugs. “End it.”

Chapter 35

Lillian

“Sean?” I grab the musk-scented top sheet, wrap it around toga-style, and pad down the hallway. My clothes are scattered everywhere, but his are missing.

Unable to find my underwear, I go commando, then race downstairs.

As I walk past the conference room, I overhear Sean say, “She’s never going to forgive me.”

Behind the door, I can’t make out Dante’s muffled response, but it doesn’t matter. This kind of crap is fucking unacceptable.

When the handle refuses to turn, I pound on the metal. “I know you guys are in there. Open up.”

“Can I help you?” All of a sudden, Dante’s blocking my way.