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I've been reading a magazine for the last fifteen minutes. Niko and Aisling are playing inside the castle playpen. The room is filled with giggles and music toys. It is music to my ears. I love every second of it. Then I spot Marco walking towards me.
“Ms. O’Brien, your father is on his way up.”
“Thanks Marco.”
"Hi, Pumpkin," Dad greets, walking into the living room several minutes later.
"Hi, Dad." I stand and give him a hug once he reaches me. "It's so nice to see you."
"It has been some time.” His voice sounds a little odd.
"Let's take a seat. Would you like something to drink?” I ask, trying not to read into the situation.
“No, thank you. How are you doing?"
"We are fine. Thanks for asking. The kids are growing up so fast." He looks over at the playpen.
"Those are kids for you. They grow in a blink of an eye.” He sits down.
"Do you want to hold Niko?” I ask, looking between Niko and him.
“Maybe not now. He looks like he is having fun."
"Ok. Maybe later then." I sit, a little unsettled. He is so different from Anita. She never passes up a chance to hold her grandchildren. But I guess I have to accept that Dad is nothing like Anita.
"Were you able to get me the money, Pumpkin?" I'm annoyed by his question.
"Dad, you've been here a few minutes. Don't you want to relax a bit? It’s been a long time since I last saw you.”
"Sorry, I wasn't trying to be pushy. Of course, we can relax. How have you been?” Suddenly I notice how fidgety he is. He is sweaty. Something isn't right with him. He is definitely trying to hide something.
"What's going on, Dad?"
"Nothing."
"You are lying. I can tell. Are you gambling? Is that why you need money so desperately?” I ask, hurt.
"No." He looks away. He is lying.
"Grace, Brenda, take the kids upstairs.”
“Ok," Brenda says. I wait for them to leave with the kids before I speak.
"Dad, tell me the truth. You are asking me for a lot of money. I deserve to know why you need it. I pay your rent, so you don't have to worry. Where has all your money been going? It’s not like you have that many bills.”
"I told you, Pumpkin, I lost my job. Bills just stacked up." I want to believe him, but deep down, I know he is lying. He always is. "I just thought with you being with the Manarch boy, you could help your old man. Doesn't he give you money?"
"Are you fucking kidding me? Viktor's responsibility is to your grandson. The grandson you haven't even bothered to properly meet. He is seven months old, and I swear you have seen him like three times. You come to my house and not five minutes here you are asking for money. So tell me the truth. What is the money for?"
"I don't have to stay here and tolerate this. I'm your father. If you can't help me, just say so. You wasted my time by bringing me here. I should have known better. You are useless. You have done nothing but bring me trouble.” His words are like a knife cutting me.
Chapter Fifty Eight
Oliver
I’m sitting at my apartment, looking over at the intel of everything we have learned so far about the plans my father and Bobby have. After a few weeks of following Gus, something unexpected happened. At first, Angus and I thought it was a coincidence. Gus was seen at BlueHorn. It is the place Pat O’Brien used to frequent until about a week ago.
I had one of Marco’s men tasked to follow Gus. I wanted someone that no one knew. Someone never seen before by any of the clan. He did great too. He has gathered intel that can help us in crippling my father. But in front of me are pictures of Pat talking to Gus. This was nothing I was prepared for. Why would Pat meet with Gus? How does Pat know Gus? At first, I thought Gus might be a gambler and ended up at BlueHorn. But then Pat and Gus met at a diner not too far from there. I am supposed to meet with Marco’s guy to see what he learned this week. Just as I think it, my doorbell goes off. I look at the camera, and he looks alone. These days I don’t trust anything, so I grab my nine mil. I look at the peephole.
