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“Do you think it wise to launch the casino while this is going on?”
“Yeah, we need to launch the casino. We have done the work and it’s only right to show it off and show the other side we aren’t scared. Honestly, I don’t know about Sophie. I do think she needs to be there. She has done most of the work and is setting up the launch. I don’t think she would be happy to stay behind, but… we need extra men and security. Can we talk to the Italians?”
I never thought of bringing in another family to help, but the Italians would work with us, and honestly, it would be the best bet. We don’t know how much manpower this dude has, and if Jonathon is ratting on us, he will be there. I hope Jonathon doesn’t have any of my other lads working for him. I will gut Jonathon myself, slowly, with a kitchen knife, to let him feel every bit of pain his disrespect has brought me, and every fiber of his body will suffer for hurting my woman. I know she hurt him physically, but let’s not get hung up on the technicalities now.
“I will reach out to the Italians later today. We should reach some deal, maybe share the shipyard for a drop or two.”
“Just the two would be enough. I don’t want them to overtake the shipping or give us too much heat.”
I nod at Ruairi, and he gets up to leave. I will do a little work now, then speak to the Italians later. I don’t like asking for help, but I don’t know how this man works, or what he wants. If he is Sophie’s father, does he want her back for a happy family reunion, or is he going to hurt her? I can’t take the risk.
After a few hours I head to the casino to see the changes we have made, and how it looks. The uniform has been changed to look more professional and welcoming, black shirts and slacks with our logo in red and gold. The interior is more spaced out. I like the fact she has laid it out to be more accommodating for everyone; beginners, fun players, and the serious gamblers.
Sophie and Ruairi have updated the restaurant to have a casual side for during the day, à la Carte for the evenings, and a function section for parties to make people feel special and welcome.
The bar looks amazing. The bar staff have taken a cocktail course and make them with a flourish so customers will see them and want one. It is all about making money and building a reputation for our empire. We have been running the new look for a week and we have got some bookings for birthdays and stag and hen nights, but they are all scheduled for after the launch party.
Ruairi has a poker night or two set up for regulars and the families. So, I think we are going in the right direction.
Sophie is a whizz-kid with social media, compared to me, the dinosaur. She has the restaurant and casino booming. I might just have to buy her her own nightclub to run on Wexford Street and have that country singer on the opening night for her. Look at me, planning a big gift for this woman when I’d sworn off them. Sophie really is it for me.
Before I head home, I stop by a jewelry shop, Rocks Jewelers, on Grafton Street. I am going to buy her a ring, the most stunning one I can find.
As I walk into my house, I hear Jones in the kitchen banging about. I head up the stairs to look for Sophie. As I walk toward my room, I can hear her voice.
“Mum! Why won’t you tell me?I think he might be trying to hurt me. Is he trying to hurt you?” She must be on the phone, I stop just outside the door to listen to her half of the conversation.
“No, I am not telling you who I am with. What if you tell him or he can track this call?”
“Oh, so you do know who my father is, and you are talking to him. What else are you not telling me, mum?” I hear Sophie gasp.
“Oh my God! That’s where the money came from? Are those people even my grandparents?”
“What are you running from? Who are you and I running from? Why am I being dragged into this? Mum, please tell me. I want to fix this.” There’s a longer pause this time.
“I will try to meet you this week. Are you ok to travel to Dublin?”
“Ok, Mum. I love you, but I need answers. Please, let’s fix this mess.”
I hear the phone drop and Sophie falls onto the bed, sniffling. She is crying. What did her mother tell her? Will Sophie tell me? I walk in quietly and pick her up, I need to hold her. She needs me as much as I need her.
“Shh, doll, you are ok now, I have got you,” I coo into her hair. “What happened, doll?”
“Just…my…mum,” Is the only reply she is capable of between her tears and sniffly breathing.
“It’s ok. We can fix it. What did she tell you doll?” I try to use my sweet voice.
“Too much. I will tell you, Cahill, but please just let me have a minute to cry and process this. Please.” Now I feel like a dick.
I get up and let her rest on our bed. I go to the bathroom to run us a warm relaxing bath. We both need it after today. After our bath I worship her body from head to toe and we work up an appetite. What can I say? I am good at the worshipping part. Sophie takes her time to get dressed for dinner, so I leave her to it while I go downstairs.
Jones has made us a homemade pizza.Fuck!That reminds me I need to phone the Italians tomorrow. I don’t even question the food we eat anymore in this house since Sophie has arrived. Ruairi and Jones have been delighted with the new food, me, not so much. I like good Irish meals, but I am out voted.
“How was your day shopping, doll? Did you treat yourself to anything nice?” I ask in between bites.
“You bought me a new dress, it’s stunning! Jones helped me pick it out. You also got me new lingerie. I hope you it’s worth the wait.” She winks at me.
How am I meant to wait a week or so to see this? She is a tease and will be punished for it, which is a promise.
