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I look over at Raven. She's sitting quietly but she's fidgeting with the napkin in her lap, clearly uncomfortable with the attention being directed at her. I place a hand on her thigh, hoping to offer her some sort of comfort.
Instead, I find myself completely swept away by the softness of her skin against my calloused fingers.
I look up at Declan. "She's with me," I say, my voice low and dangerous. "And she's not available."
Declan chuckles, but the tension in the air is thick. I can feel the weight of his stare on us.
"I'm just teasing, Teddy," he says, waving his hand dismissively. "You know I wouldn't cross your family like that."
"I hope not," I reply. "Because you know what happens to those who cross my family."
Declan nods. "Interesting that you should say that."
I wait, already knowing what he's about to say.
"It seems a certain member of our own family has gone missing."
"Missing?" I ask. "How so?"
"Father Murphy," Declan says. He leans forward and keeps his voice low. "A few nights ago. He was at the church in Southie, and then he wasn't."
"So? Why come to us about that?" I really hate Primo for pinning me with this of all dinners.
Declan and I lock eyes, neither of us wanting to give an inch. "Because, we have reason to believe that your family may have had something to do with it."
I try and keep my composure. I really do not want to give off any signs that I know exactly what happened to Father Murphy and Declan is spot-fucking-on.
"What reason?" I ask.
"I'm afraid I can't say at the moment," Declan responds. "Let's just say that a few weeks ago a demand was made to your brothers Primo and Giovanni. A demand for funds to reimburse the Westies for the money lost as your family," he smirks, "recalibrates. We never received a formal response. And then Father Murphy goes missing. So, we have a pretty good feeling."
"I'd be careful about going around and accusing people, especially my people, based on feelings."
My heart rate is spiking. If the Irish mob does connect Father Murphy's murder to us, we're in pretty deep shit.
It would mean a mob war for sure. "Maybe you're right," Declan says. "Maybe you had nothing to do with it at all."
"I'm telling you we didn't," I reply, bluffing as hard as I ever have.
"Well, if that's the case, then our family would call on our alliance with yours. Blood must be paid for in blood."
"You said he was missing," I reply. "You never said he was dead."
Declan leans back and I can see the disappointment on his face. He was definitely trying to catch me in a trap there.
"Ah, yes," Declan says. "My mistake."
"If your family does need assistance locating your priest, that is something we can help with."
Declan nods. "For now, we'll see if he turns up."
His eyes slide over to Raven. I can feel the anger rising up inside of me. She fidgets under his gaze and I hate that he's making her even a little bit uncomfortable.
When Primo said to bring a date, he made me think that my counterpart would also be bringing someone. This entire evening has turned into an accident waiting to happen.
"So," he says. "You say she's with you?" His eyes slide up and down her body and I start to imagine what it would feel like to clean up his dead corpse, because it's the only thing keeping me from decking this guy.
Raven shifts in her seat and pulls the hem of her dress down, trying to cover up more of her legs. I tighten my grip on her thigh, trying to keep myself in check. The anger is boiling inside of me, ready to explode at a moment's notice.
