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“Why not support their war then?” He studied me carefully. Redmond was shrewd and strong. He had to be to get where he was.
Killing his father was one thing. Murder isn’t hard, especially when you have easy access to the victim. Human bodies are frail. There are so many breaking points, so many weaknesses.
But getting his people under control must’ve been hell.
His lieutenants would’ve been livid. His staff, his family. Everyone that existed within his organization. I heard rumors of a struggle, of killings and attempted coups, but he’d held onto power and grown his house. A man able to do that was a man worth respecting.
I was in danger, but I hoped I placed my faith in the right person.
“Because we’ll lose,” I said as the door to the dining room opened.
Melanie stepped inside. She wore black leggings and a tank top, her hair in a messy bun. Her eyes widened as she looked from me to her brother.
“Redmond,” she said. “I didn’t know you were home already.”
“I cut my business short.” He stood, glaring at me, and walked over to his sister. They hugged briefly.
“How’s Erin?”
“Doing well. Sends her love. She’s got work at the moment.”
“You always do.” Melanie smiled, but it was strained. She glanced at me. “You two met already.”
“We were having a lovely conversation,” I said.
Redmond returned to his seat. Melanie hesitated, but sat next to me. I didn’t let my pleasure at that small gesture show—she chose her side.
“I hope you’re being civil,” she said, and I wasn’t sure who she was speaking to.
“So far we are,” Redmond said. “Although I’m not sure you need to be here for this.”
Melanie practically snarled at him. “I know more about the situation than you do, brother of mine. I suggest you be careful.”
His face softened. I saw the love between them instantly. He adored her, his sword-sharp little sister, and she looked up to him. “You’re right. I could use your opinion.”
“I know you could.” She accepted coffee from the staff girl and sat back. “What have you discussed so far?”
“Nervosa says his fellow Oligarchs plan on starting a war, and he thinks they’re going to lose. He wants to stop it. Does that sum it up?”
I gestured my assent. “More or less.” Leaving out some details, but close enough.
Melanie crossed her arms. “And what do you think, Red?”
He touched his cheek, considering. “I can see their position. My relationship with Erin must look dangerous. And the others have only grown stranger lately, ever since we stopped fighting.”
“Even Kaspar’s been good,” Melanie said, nodding to herself.
“I can understand why the others might want to do something about it. But why break the peace? That’s what I can’t figure.”
“They think you already destroyed that taboo,” I said, staring at him. “Darren and Roman first, then the rest of you. Maeve dead. Mafia families scattered. You’ve been killing each other and squabbling, and all the while we’ve been watching and waiting.”
“We have no plans to move on your territory.” He seemed earnest and surprised. “Is that what you all think?”
“Would you believe that, if you were in my position?”
He opened his mouth but shut it again. “I suppose not.”
“Then war makes more sense, seen from that perspective. The others believe it’s only a matter of time before you all make your move, and by then it’ll be too late.”
“Preemptive strike.”
“That’s right.” I worked my jaw. It was a damn stupid idea, but Silvano’s logic wasn’t bad.
“Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you now and hamstring the others? Without you to help, they’ll know they have no chance. Killing you would solve all my problems at once.”
I smirked, wondering why it’d taken him so long to come to that conclusion.
“You won’t do that,” Melanie said, leaning forward suddenly. I looked at her, surprised. “If you do, you can’t call yourself my brother anymore.”
He seemed as shocked as I felt. “What are you talking about, Mel? He’s the enemy. He’s the reason I sent Palmira with you, and she did a great job, by the way.”
Melanie gripped the table’s edge. “Listen to me, Red. Nervosa’s here to discuss peace. If you kill him, you’ll only make things worse, and I won’t forgive you.”
I studied her. I couldn’t decide if she spoke up because of the night before, or if she truly believed what she was saying.
Or for another reason.
Redmond sighed. “Sounds like you’ll live to see another day.”
“What a pity.” I sipped my coffee. It’d gone lukewarm, but it didn’t matter. “What are you going to do about this, aside from murdering me?”
“I’ll speak with my wife,” Redmond said. “If what you’re saying is true, then we’ll work together and make your fellows see reason. There doesn’t have to be war. We can return to peace.”
I nodded slowly. Melanie relaxed and sat back.
