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And what if Atlas was concerned about his career? Declan would never do anything to jeopardize Atlas’s future within the FBI. He’d worked so hard and Declan knew Atlas was one of the bureau’s finest agents. Could a personal relationship with Mickey Winterstone’s son hurt Atlas’s reputation and credibility?
Declan didn’t have long to obsess over the possible damage he could do to Atlas’s career before the doorbell rang again. “Maybe he had an epiphany in the driveway…”
That was wishful thinking but Declan wasn’t too disappointed when he found Blake on the doorstep.
“Morning!” Blake waved cheerfully, then hitched a thumb over his shoulder. “Just saw Atlas leaving and thought I’d come over and see how everything went.”
“Oh. That.” Declan turned on his heel, waving for Blake to come inside. He was a little disappointed, in hindsight.
“What’s wrong?” Blake closed the door and hurried after Declan.
“I don’t know. Nothing, maybe. Or, everything…” If Declan could be honest and stand up for himself, he’d tell Blake that he didn’t want to talk about it. But no one had ever cared enough or thought highly enough about Declan to meddle and push him at someone like Atlas. The pushing, though… Atlas had to be aware and it could only add to the strain he was under. “He has to work here,” he said out loud, then wrinkled his nose at Blake. “I think we all keep forgetting that I’m a guest and Atlas is here in a professional capacity.”
“Right,” Blake said, widening his eyes at Declan. “That’s theonlyreason he was here.”
Declan pointed at his head. “He was here for less than five minutes and he kissed my hair.”
“I’m sure it was still hot.”
“Well…” Declan paused before pushing the kitchen door open. “The point is…” He hunted for one as he went to get himself a mug. “Coffee?” He asked.
“I’m good. What is the point?” Blake hugged his chest and smiled expectantly.
“The point is… Would you want to date someone in your workplace? He’s supposed to be working here and we have no idea how many lines Atlas could be crossing.”
Blake frowned and hummed as he considered, then shook his head. “Nah. Look at Paul and Reginald or Lane and Lavender. I’ll bet that Paul picked Atlas because he could handle crossing a line or two without compromising himself and turning into a dirty agent. And the FBI knows you had nothing to do with Mickey and Francis,” he added pointedly, making Declan smile.
It was lovely, the way his new friends were so quick to defend him. “I know and I appreciate how much you care.”
“Obviously, we do,” Blake said, then leaned closer. “But it was clear from the moment you two laid eyes on each other that it was over. You two are so perfect together andeveryoneknows it.”
“Everyone?” Declan squeaked. His stomach soured at the thought ofeveryonegetting their hopes up only to feel sorry for him if Atlas decided they were better off as friends. He pushed the mug away. “I probably don’t need another cup of coffee,” he murmured.
“Did Atlas tell you why he was here?” Blake asked carefully.
“Not really. Why?” Declan was suddenly wary. “He said that Lavender had done something and that he felt conflicted.”
Blake snorted. “I would imagine. Do you know anyone named Eddie Flanigan?”
“I might…” Declan’s stomach had gone from sour to lead. “He was an old hitman from the neighborhood. I know he went away with Coonan for a while but I thought he was retired.”
“I think he’s…” Blake cleared his throat suggestively and Declan jumped.
“Holy shit! Do you think he was here for Speed?”
“I have no idea, but Speed said that Lavender had done the world a favor. And he said that Lavender had settled the matter. Whatever that means. I was hoping you’d know,” Blake said, his lips twisting thoughtfully.
“Atlas would feel conflicted about that,” Declan predicted. “And it doesn’t help that I’m connected.”
“How are you connected?”
“I think it was Mickey’s testimony that sent Flanigan away with Coonan, if I remember correctly.”
Blake’s face twisted as he shook his head. “He had to have known you were a kid when all that happened. I’m worried that someone figured out Speed was behind the hit and the heist. He could be in serious trouble if it got out that he was helping the FBI.”
“But Speed said that Lavender settled the matter and Atlas said that nobody was in danger anymore,” Declan said and suddenly understood why Atlas needed time and space to think. Regardless of who Flanigan had been sent to kill, Atlas wouldn’t condone premeditated murder as a solution. He couldn’t, but it would also make sense for him to be relieved. Atlas cared a great deal for Speed and Blake. He cared for Lavender and his family, so Atlas wouldn’t relish investigating a friend.
“Speed thinks someone would have to have a death wish. No one’s coming near Chicago or Lake Cliff unless they want to answer to Lavender. But Speed says all of that old business died with Flanigan.” Blake held up his hands and shrugged. “I don’t like it, but you’d think a guy like Flanigan would have known better.”
