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“I’m sure it is,” I said. “Has he been working?”
“Oh, you know, he’s always working.” She smiled slightly as she led the way toward the back study. “But I do my best to keep it to a minimum.”
I glanced back at Tara and smirked slightly, raising my eyebrows. I wasn’t sure if she caught that, but Bea more or less admitted to doing some work for the Don, or at least to managing things without him. I always knew the old bat was deeply involved in the family’s affairs, but never could prove it. Tara didn’t seem to understand though, and only gave me a weird look in return.
Bea took us to the same office as last time, and left us standing outside the door. I knocked once then stepped inside, and found the Don sitting in the same spot behind his desk, this time propped up with pillows, and looked notably worse for wear.
His face was gaunt and sunken, ad his eyes looked tired. He wore a simple button-down shirt, and I could see bandages beneath. Dean hovered next to him, and both men looked over as I stood in front of the desk with Tara at my side.
“Hello, Ewan,” Don Valentino said and managed to smile. Dean stayed next to his father and leaned up against the bookshelf behind him.
“Don,” I said. “I’m glad you’re home and feeling better.”
“Hard to take me out,” the Don said. “I have some years left, you see.”
“I hope you have many,” I said, and glanced back at Tara. She looked nervous, and shifted foot to foot. “We came with news.”
“About Colm?” Dean asked, sounding eager.
I glanced at him. “About that, too.”
“Start with Colm,” the Don said.
I nodded and took a breath, steadying myself. I wanted to talk about the marriage first, but if the Don wanted to hear about Colm, then that’s what we’d do.
“I got a lead on him,” I said. “Followed him to a breakfast spot, then followed his car to a house outside of West Philly. I think he lives there.”
“You found Colm’s house?” Dean sounded genuinely surprised. “That guy’s been like a ghost. I’ve had him followed more times than I can count but he always slips away.”
“His driver was good,” I said, shrugging. “But I kept on him. I haven’t had time to stake it out yet, but I have a good idea of how I’ll handle this.”
“Then handle it,” the Don said with some force. “I want him dead, Ewan. This is your most important job yet.”
“Yes, sir,” I said, and took a step forward. “But I have other important news.”
The Don tilted his head. “What’s so urgent then?”
“She agreed to marry me,” I said, and gestured back to Tara, who hung back awkwardly.
“I see,” the Don said, and a smile spread across his face. “That is good news. I should congratulate you both then.”
“It’s only for her protection,” I said. “She’s not joining the family, and when this is all over, I’ll let her leave if she wants.”
“I’m sure,” the Don murmured. “Come here, girl. Step over here.”
Tara came forward almost reluctantly. I caught Dean’s eye and he winked at me, grinning mercilessly.
“You two make a fine couple,” the Don said. “And now that you’re marrying into the family, Tara, I hope that you’ll be as helpful as you can.”
I felt her stiffen, and I spoke up before she could say anything. “Sir, I know you want information about her father’s business, but she doesn’t know anything.”
If he was disappointed, he didn’t show it. “I’m sure that’s not the only thing she can bring to the table.”
“I mean it, sir,” I said insistently.
“Let the girl speak,” he said, tone getting sharp. “Is this true?”
“It’s true,” she said softly. “I didn’t know what my father did for a living until Ewan came into my life. Now I realize that I was stupid and naive, but it’s the truth.”
The Don pursed his lips. I could see him calculating already, trying to decide if he believed her or not. “I checked up on her story,” I said, which was only half true. “She wasn’t involved at all.”
“It’s interesting you say so,” the Don said. “Since you’re so against the business to begin with.”
“It’s no secret that I dislike trafficking,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, though I felt a touch of anger at the way the Don looked at Tara, and the way he spoke to me. “And it’s no secret that you’re trying to expand into that market.”
Nobody moved. The silence hung thick. Dean looked like I’d punched him in the face as he sat back and stared up at the ceiling, then squeezed his eyes shut. I met the Don’s gaze and held it, unflinching and unable to look away. I respected this man and gave him my everything, and yet he was so willing to get involved in something I found so reprehensible. I had to wonder if he would be in his position if it weren’t for all the men I killed for him and all the power I brought to the family.
