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"You were told we were taking out another Scot clan that was coming from the homeland. A threat to the family,” I tell him.
"Yes."
"Do you remember how it all started?” He looks at me, confused.
"Our father met with you to go over a detailed plan. You were going to fly to Scotland. But you never did because it was a false alarm." I take a deep breath.
"Our father wanted me to kill you." I let the words sink in before I speak. It's been the only secret I've kept from Oliver that mattered. He drains his glass.
"Why didn't you?"
“Because I couldn’t. It’s the one order from my father I refused to carry out. At the time, he said he was proud of me for not betraying my blood. But I knew the day would come where he and I would stand at opposite sides,” I say more to myself than to him.
"Why did he want me dead?" he asks again. I drain my drink.
"Because your existence is a threat to him. If I die, you are the one who will take over when the time comes. You are an heir.”
"I'm not a Manarch, not really."
"You are more than you realize. The men respect you. You can run the clan without a doubt. He fears the men will follow you and not him." He looks unsure.
"Why are you telling me this now?"
"Because our father doesn't give a fuck about anyone other than himself. His priority and loyalty are to himself. You and I have had our issues this last year because of Ava. But you are my brother and I trust you with my life. I will always choose you over our father." I confess. He stays quiet. I'm going to say something when he speaks.
"I too will choose you of our father. I will always have your back."
"I know. But before we go into this war, you need to ask yourself if you can go all the way. You have always idolized the man you call father. The man has never been a father. Not to you or to me. You have to be at peace that it will come down to a bullet from you or me. He has to die. He isn't going to let anyone get in his way of what he wants. He will kill anyone, including us, if he has to."
"If the time comes, I'll do whatever needs to be done. From now on, everything we do will be for the good of the clan. Our father’s loyalty might not be on the right side, but mine is."
"Then be ready. This will get bloody. No one is guaranteed to make it out alive. Not you or me. His numbers are doubled with Cillian’s men. Despite all our recruitment efforts, we will be outnumbered."
"I'm ready. What about Ava and the kids?"
"They will stay put for now. Is the contingency plan in place?"
"Yes. There are new identities for them, half a mil in cash and property out in the mountains ready for them to move to."
"And no one knows?"
"Only Marco knows, as we discussed. He has a plan in place. I won't know what it is until it is executed."
"I don't like being in the dark," I confess.
"We both know this is the best way. They are safer if no one besides him knows the plan."
"It won't come to that," I say more to myself.
"Let's hope not." I pour another drink for us.
At this moment, I feel useless. All I want to do is leave Gotham, find my father and put two bullets in his head. The man has lived past his expiration date. There is no talking at this point. There is only one way to end this. But killing him outright will create chaos in the clan. Chaos we can't afford as long as Cillian is in play. It’s obvious this is what Cillian is hoping for. If I kill my father, Cillian will take the opportunity to attack the clan. The only move is to wait. I have to let my father show his hand. As much as I hate it, I'm going to have to plan on the fly. This is the best solution for an impossible problem.
The contingency plan is in place in the event I won't make it home. I need to make sure Ava is ready for anything. Earlier, she showed me she will do whatever needs to be done for our family. She is right. I need to start treating her like my partner and not someone fragile. She can handle herself and has shown me this time after time. No one loves or cares for our children more than her. I can't keep her in the dark. Not this time. It's time for me to make her my Queen in front of everyone. For her to take her rightful place by my side.
Chapter Sixty One
Ava
