Ciarán: The O'Hanlon Family Trilogy Book One: Social Rejects Syndicate

by Theresa Sederholt

  “Are you going to follow the rules?”

  “You haven’t given me much choice. Follow your rules or wait to die. Not really an ideal situation, now is it?”

  “No, but you got yourself into this mess, now how about you let me do my job and get you out of it?”

  Eevee leans in closer toward the window, “Dax, I’m not privy to what has been going on, however, if my brother says he can help you, then maybe you should listen to him.” Her face shows no emotion.

  “Fine! Now unlock the damn door,” I concede. He unlocks the door and I climb inside. The ride back to the house is long and quiet.

  My mind starts to replay everything having to do with Eevee. I wonder how much she really knows. I would think after hearing our disagreement she would question what the hell we were talking about. Instead, she stares straight ahead and says nothing. Maybe it’s my own paranoia taking hold of my mind, or maybe her silence is what her family has instilled in her. Either way, I need to find out more about Eevee O’Hanlon, and why she just happened to show up in Dublin the same time as me.

  When we pull up to the house, everything is dark and very quiet. I was hoping when I stepped inside, Ciarán would be back. Nothing. “I’m going to retreat to my room. I have some business to take care of. Hey, Eevee, thanks for lunch.” As I walk away, I can feel her eyes on me, however, I don’t turn around. Instead, I let her enjoy the view.

  Eevee

  Watching Dax walk away, I can’t help but admire what a fine ass that man has. It’s a shame I will have to ruin him for life.

  “Eevee, snap out of it; we need to talk in private.” Patrick heads into the drawing room confidently as if he’s sure I will follow him. However, I have other plans. I turn and head toward the steps. I don’t look back, but I hear him charging like a bull. “Eevee, stop, please. I need to talk to you. Let’s be adults about it. Come with me into the drawing room.”

  I don’t want to. I’m trying to distance myself from him . . . from all of them. Realistically, that will never happen. At the end of the day, they are my brothers, and blood is thicker than water. I turn back around and head down to meet him.

  “Thank you,” he says. When we get into the drawing room, he closes the doors behind us.

  “Why all the cloak and dagger shit, Patrick?” I get right to it. He pours us each a whiskey before he sits down. He’s quiet and, for the first time, I can see all the worry etched on his face.

  “I’m going to start this by saying I don’t judge you for your choices in life. We all have demons that we live with. That’s why we are where we are in life.”

  “Look, Patrick, before you go any further, Ronan already tried his little redemption speech on me. It didn’t work. Now, if there is nothing else, I’ll take my little nightcap upstairs.” I get up to leave but he puts his hand out to stop me.

  “Sit, I’m not done.”

  I sink down into the sofa. “Okay, carry on with your little story.”

  “It’s not a little story, but I won’t bore you with all the details. The bottom line is, many years ago Dax did a favor for Dad. That favor has let us run our business in the shadows. As you know, Dax is an accountant. What you don’t know is he has some very questionable clients. When he set up his business, he created a fail-safe in case anything ever happens to him. He has to log into a special program every twenty-four hours. If he doesn’t, an email goes out to the Feds in the United States, listing every client and all the details about their business. Eevee, we are on that list.”

  I reach for my glass but it’s empty. Patrick quickly refills it. My hands are shaking so bad that I have a hard time not spilling it. “Why? I mean I understand he did a favor for Dad, so it’s only natural Dad would owe him. Why would you get involved with him? Why would you let him be a part of your business?”

  “I didn’t find any of this out until Dax came here. This was all done by Dad. Dax was an exchange student staying with us. He was in the same school as Ciarán. Dad trusted him, so when he got in too deep, he turned to Dax for help. He built some sort of program that made it easy and undetectable when laundering money. Ciarán built the business up all based on Dax’s program. The other day, he showed up on our doorstep asking for help. Apparently, he got himself into trouble and needs our help getting out of it. Eevee, I think you know what that trouble is. I also think you are the one who he is hiding from, but he just doesn’t know it—yet.”

  Jesus H. Christ, this is can’t be happening. “Look, Patrick, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Don’t insult my intelligence. Tell me the plan and let me find a way around it. You know it’s what I do. A cleaner, fixer, whatever the fuck you want to call it. For God’s sake, Eevee, help me save our family—your family.” The look of desperation on his face breaks my heart. I’ve never seen it on him.

  “Maybe you should start with the program that Dax has to sign into. There are plenty of hackers out there that can probably fix this mess pretty easily for a price.”

  “I already have feelers out. It’s like nobody wants to touch it for fear of retaliation from Aiello.”

  “I know someone that might be able to help.” I can’t believe what just came out of my mouth.

  “That’s it? You’re not going to tell me the plan?” His eyes widen in disbelief. A part of me wants to help him, but I have a bigger stake than anyone realizes.

  “For now, that’s all I can offer. I’ll make contact with him and see if he can help.” I put my glass down, get up and turn to leave. This time he doesn’t stop me.

  Dax

  I don’t get it. At times I feel like she is putting out the vibe, you know the I want to fuck you till the well runs dry, kind of vibe. Then tonight, everything came to a screeching halt. The hair on the back of my neck stood up like a porcupine being attacked by a cougar. She’s not a cougar, by any means, but it sure felt like it.

  I fire up my laptop and start my investigation into Eevee O’Hanlon. It’s easy to tap into public records but that’s where my digging comes to a screeching halt. She dropped out of college in her junior year. After that, it’s like she fell off the face of the earth. As far as the world is concerned, Eevee O’Hanlon ceases to exist. Instead of spinning my wheels, I decide to turn everything I have over to one of my closest friends, who also happens to be one of the best hackers in the world. If Danny can’t find out anything, then no one can. In the meantime, I’ve got work to do. Getting rich is easy, maintaining it is a whole other ball game.

  Ciarán

  I’m a cynical hard ass. I’ve never subscribed to love, and I never will. I can’t imagine putting that much trust in anyone but myself. Dax is a prime example. He changed his mind. Granted, he’s a shithead for the way he did it. Still, he didn’t deserve to have a hit put out on him.I’m the oldest brother, so having everything fall on me is not unusual. Unfortunately, everything is riding on me getting Savanna to come to Ireland. I don’t need her to fall in love with me, I only need her to trust me enough to go back home with me. I’m sure once I get her in the same room with Dax, they can smooth things over.

  Speaking of brothers, I need to check in with mine. The time change is a pain in the ass but luckily Patrick doesn’t sleep much. He answers on the first ring.

  “Hey, Patrick, give me an update on your end.”

  “I’m finding stupid shit to keep Dax busy. I don’t think he trusts me. Not that I give a shit about him. I contacted a few good hackers that I know to see if they can get into Dax’s program. It’s a no-go on that. Seems everyone in the underworld is aware of him and what he does. I even tried Klaren since he’s considered the best; plus, he owes me one. He said it’s not the program that’s the problem. It’s what happens if Dax has a boobytrap or fail-safe and that triggers the email. There are so many high-power people in Dax’s database and if that information ever got out, the person who released it is dead.”

  “Maybe he doesn’t have a fail-safe?”

  “He does. I
picked his brain a little bit and he let it be known that his ass is covered.” I can hear the frustration in his voice, which is not like him. He’s usually the one who internalizes everything.

  “Have you been able to keep Eevee away from him?”

  “It’s been difficult. I decided to go balls to the wall. I told Eevee everything. How Dad got us into this mess and how I know she is the one who got the contract on Dax.”

  “Holy shit, what did she say?!”

  “She wouldn’t confirm it or deny it. She did offer to contact a hacker she knows to see if he can help.”

  “Well, all the more you need to keep them apart. I’m going to have to speed things up here. I can’t pussy foot around with Savanna. Besides, I don’t need her to fall for me. I don’t need that kind of shit in my life. I’m going to arrange another meeting with her and tell her that Dax is waiting for her in Ireland.”

  “Do you think she’ll buy it . . . you know . . . that he’s actually waiting for her?”

  “I’ll make sure she does. I’ll touch base with you tomorrow.”

  “Okay, good luck.”

  After going over everything with Patrick, I know that time is not my friend. I have to come clean with Savanna and let the chips fall where they may.

  Me: Hey, I know it was a full day, but I was wondering if you would meet me for a drink.

  Savanna: Is everything okay?

  Me: Yeah, I want to talk to you about something. Can you meet me at Lilly Bar & Lounge in an hour?

  Savanna: I will see you soon.

  I get ready and head downstairs. I thought I would be early only to find her waiting for me at a table. “Hey, thanks for coming.”

  “Well, you kind of left me no choice. I took the liberty and ordered you a dirty martini.” I nod at her thoughtful gesture. Not my drink of choice but I just want to get this over with.

  “I have a story to tell you. When I’m done, if you want to walk away, I won’t be mad. I just need you to know the truth.” She puts her drink down and now her attention is focused on me.

  “I knew who you were when I ran into you at the bar. Actually, I didn’t run into you, it was planned. I came here to convince you to come back to Ireland. Dax is staying with me. He knows he fucked up but doesn’t know how to fix it. He still loves you, Savanna; he got cold feet. His way of dealing with it was to run. Do I think he’s an ass? One hundred percent. However, ass or not, he still loves you. Anyone looking at you can see by the mention of his name that you’re still in love with him.” I give her a minute to let the bullshit words I’ve spun sink in.

  “You came all the way here to do this for Dax, yet I’ve never heard of you before. If you are such a good friend, how is that even possible?” She tilts her head like she’s trying to figure me out.

  “Dax and I go back many years. We went to college together. Over the years, we never really saw much of each other, but we did keep in touch. He showed up at my door asking for help . . . help to win you back.” She’s quiet and I don’t push. She picks up her drink and takes a rather large gulp. Not exactly the way martinis are supposed to be drunk. I get our server’s attention and he brings another round.

  “So, you know who my father is?”

  “Yes, Jason Aiello, the head of one of the five families in New York. Moved to Vegas and made his mark on this town. Since then, he hardly ever leaves his house. Is that why you went by a different name?”

  “Yes. I needed to know if he was dating me to get in good with my father or to even knock my dad out of the top spot. That is the reality of my life. Never trusting anyone and always thinking people are takers. When I finally brought him home, the relationship was serious. That’s when I told Dax who I really was. What makes you think I even want Dax back?”

  “Here’s the thing, Savanna, I have no idea what the hell you want. What I do know is, if it were me, I would want to have my say. From where I’m sitting, you never got that. What I’m giving you is a golden opportunity to say whatever you want to him, and he has to listen.”

  “What makes you think he will listen?”

  “I didn’t come all this way for nothing. If need be, I’ll tie him to a pole, and you can beat the shit out of him. One way or another, you will have your say.”

  “Why are you doing this? What’s in it for you?”

  This is where I need to dig down deep and formulate the lie of a lifetime. “He’s a friend, Savanna. He came to me and poured out his heart. I think he might have even shed a tear or two. How could I not help him? Everyone deserves a second chance, even an asshole like Dax. You don’t have to make your decision now. I’m leaving tomorrow morning to go back home. I booked a ticket for you.” I reach into my pocket and pull out her ticket. I slide it across the table. “If I see you at the airport tomorrow, then I know you have a big set of balls. If not, then you can carry on your little life inside the bubble your father keeps you in.” I get up, throw a few hundred down for the tab and walk out. Now, it’s a waiting game.

  Savanna

  Ciarán’s good, I’ll give him that. However, I’m better. The day spent with him was a fun distraction. I knew he had an agenda, but the bombshell he just dropped was not what I was expecting. Since word got out what Dax did, every guy is climbing out of the woodwork. I know the score: romance me and get your hooks into my dad. I never know who to trust, so I trust no one. I thought he was just another one of those guys. I head home contemplating Ciarán’s proposal. I also need to confront my dad. He’s been way too quiet throughout all of this. That’s never a good thing.

  It doesn’t take me long to get home. Vincent Rizzo, my dad’s right-hand man is busy reading his daily racing form. While my dad is watching his favorite game show. It never ceases to amaze me how he can blow your brains out without blinking an eye and then go back to yelling at the people on The Price is Right. That’s why he is one of the most feared men in America.

  “Dad, shut that off; I need to talk to you. Vinnie, give us some privacy, please.” He puts the form down and looks towards my dad. It doesn’t matter who is asking, he won’t budge unless my dad gives him the okay. He nods and Vinnie heads out, making sure to leave the door open a crack.

  “My beautiful figliòlo, what has you so troubled?” I grab the remote and shut the damn television off.

  “What has me troubled? I need the truth from you. Did you do something to make Dax disappear? Don’t you dare lie to me.”

  “Well, if you are suggesting that I caused him any harm, then no, I haven’t.”

  “Dad, I didn’t fall out of the turnip truck and land on my head. Jesus H. Christ, what did you do?” I’m yelling as he gets up to walk over to the bar and pour himself a bourbon.

  “No one leaves my daughter at the altar without paying a price. I assure you; I don’t want him dead. I only want to make sure he is useless to anyone for the rest of his life.” He has a smirk like the cat that swallowed the canary. I give it a minute for his words to sink in. I try to think like my father and that’s when it hits me.

  “What, like a Lorena Bobbitt type of revenge?!” I ask incredulously. He swirls his bourbon before finishing what’s left in his glass.

  “Exactly Figlia Mia, just like Lorena Bobbitt. Why do you care what I did?”

  “I know where Dax is hiding. I want you to cancel the arrangement you made with whomever you made it with. This is my opportunity to have my say . . . enact my own kind of revenge. Please, Daddy, I’m leaving in the morning. I’ll say what I have to say, then turn around and come home. After that, you can do whatever you want to him.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “Promise me, Daddy, you will let me handle this. I need to do this without any help from you.” At my plea, he throws both hands up as if he’s praying for some sort of divine intervention.

  “Under one condition, you must take Vinnie with you. I won’t take no for an answer.”

  “Okay. Vinnie, you might as well come in here and stop listening at the door.�
�� In less than a minute the door opens and he comes in. “Get your passport and pack an overnight bag. We leave in the morning for Ireland.” I turn and walk out, leaving them both flustered.

  Jason Aiello

  For the love of Christ, anyone who tells you girls are easy has never met my daughter. “Vinnie, you are supposed to be the professional. Please tell me why my daughter can find Dax, yet you can’t?!” My fist comes down so hard on the bar that all the glasses rattle.

  “Boss, I have turned over every rock; he’s nowhere to be found.”

  “Apparently, you’re not turning over the right rocks! You are to go with her to Ireland, find that bastard, and let her have her say before you slice him ear to ear.”

  “I thought you didn’t want me to do that, that’s why you hired Eevee.”

  The mention of her name makes my blood boil. “Yeah, fucking, Eevee. She disappeared off the face of the earth. Have you found her?”

  “No, I figured she was with Dax, trying to get him to the altar.”

  “Well, I guess you figured wrong since Savanna knows where Dax is. She would have been wild if she knew there was another woman with him, even more so if she found out that I arranged it. You better go and make sure you keep in touch.” He turns to leave but I grab his arm and spin him around. “And, Vinnie, if need be, you better lay down your life for Figlia Mia, she’s my world, Vinnie. If anything happens to her, your life is over,” I threaten. He grumbles something under his breath as he heads out the door.

  When Vinnie’s parents died in a car wreck, he was twelve years old and homeless. I took him under my wing. I thought he would be the one to catch my daughter’s eye. Instead, it was Dax, a sleazy accountant to all the different members of the family. Well, everyone except me. I know about his insurance policy, but right now, I really don’t give a fuck since he holds nothing over me. As far as I’m concerned, anyone who put their trust in him deserves what they get. I need to find Eevee before anyone else does. If she really is with Dax like Vinnie thinks, then all the more I need to warn her. I don’t want my daughter ending up in the crosshairs between Eevee and Dax. I decide to send her a text.