I take another deep drink as I straighten, shifting from my relaxed lounging to something a little more true to form. I’m leaning forward, my elbows on the chair arms, ready to jump up if I need to. Tension rolls through my shoulders. I feel my expression sour. My thoughts shift to my brothers. Ronan’s file, his plan—it’s flawed. He thinks that he can roadblock Shawn’s deal with paperwork. Incorrect language in the shipping documents that should, in theory, hold things up without any legal repercussions. It would have worked if we were talking about a normal trade deal that’s supposed to follow the rules of the shipping yard. What Ronan doesn’t understand is that the people Shawn is negotiating with are not your normal customers and an error, however small, like this will get someone killed. I’d prefer it not to be my brothers.
I knew things were bad, but not this bad. Now I know exactly what Shawn is getting into, and I also know who he’s dealing with. It didn’t take much research, a few texts while Maggie was napping last night to a few people I still know, to learn just how deep Shawn is mired in shit.
Maggie woke up just as I was sending off a strongly worded cease and desist email to Ronan. This is not a game he wants to play. I pleaded with him to get out, possibly leave the country for a few months. Take Cormac with him.
I sent the email over twelve hours ago, and despite repeated glances at my phone, Ronan has not replied.
The deal is set to go down tomorrow afternoon. I can only hope that Ronan passed the information along to Cormac and that the two of them are getting gone. As long as I stay here, with Maggie and under Detective Chandler’s nose, I’ll be in the clear as well.
I’m itching to fix this, but this time, Shawn’s gone too far. He’s going to get caught, and maybe that’s for the best. I’m through taking the heat for him. Sometimes, even when you’re talking about family, you need to let the consequences happen. Shawn made his bed, and now he has to lie in it. A little jail time might knock some sense into him.
But even as I think that, I feel guilty. I don’t actually want him to go to jail. Call me stupid, but even though he betrayed me, he’s still my brother, and I don’t want to see him get hurt. It’s complicated, and my head is twisted up because of it.
Detective Chandler sets his bottle down on the table with a clank. “Heavy thoughts there, Liam?”
I glance over at him and shake my head. “It’s nothing.”
He catches my eye and holds me in one of his big cop stares, letting me know that he knows I’m full of shit.
“I know I came at you pretty heavy earlier, but I want you to remember that I can help you. I’m willing to help you out of whatever mess your brothers are into.”
I shift back in my seat and try to look casual. “There’s nothing wrong.”
Detective Chandler shrugs one shoulder then leans back in his chair, almost mimicking my stance. “That’s fine.” He drinks his cider, takes some time to watch Maggie and the others play. I’m just about to pull my gaze away from him when he speaks again. “Humor me for a second, would ya?”
He motions to the waiter for another round. I sigh, drain my bottle, and put it to the side. “Sure.”
He does his slow nod. “Let’s say there’s this family who finds themselves in a ton of trouble that they didn’t mean to get into. Well, not all of them, anyway. Say three of the brothers are working at a few minor scams, perhaps law breaking but not felony law breaking, you know what I mean? And only one of the brothers, the eldest, is out for real trouble. You following me?”
Yeah, got it. I nod.
The ciders arrive, and Detective Chandler thanks the waiter and sends him off before he speaks again.
“Let’s say that those three brothers have their heads screwed on right.” He clears his throat. “Mostly right.”
This must be hard for him. He knows that my brothers and I haven’t been the cleanest when it comes to making money. He knows that some of the things I’ve gotten rich on are morally ambiguous at best. I didn’t always ask questions when artifacts came up that I knew clients wanted. While I didn’t manage the actual acquisition and sale of things, I did point them in the direction of getting what they wanted. Connecting people who had things they were after. I didn’t need to know where those things came from or how they were gotten. Ignorance made me a wealthy man. What I didn’t know couldn’t hurt me, but I realize that I’ve crossed the line of the law repeatedly.
“Let’s say these brothers lose their anchor when their dad gets sick and the eldest starts thinking he’s got to run the show. He feels the weight of family obligation, so he steps up and starts walking the wrong way, even if he thinks it’s the only way. Then let’s say the most sensible brother, that’s you”—he barks a laugh—“goes to jail for something he didn’t do. And while he’s away, the brothers start making deals with low-life scum who don’t give a fuck who they impact.”
I frown. Detective Chandler knows more about what’s going on than I thought he did.
“The police, they know there’s shit going down, but they can’t seem to catch the brothers in the act. They always manage to slip through the cracks at the last minute. Maybe that’s because they’ve got someone working on the force, helping them stay in the dark.” He pauses, winces, takes a drink. “Now imagine, just for a minute, what would happen if someone tipped off a reliable law enforcement officer, someone who knows what’s going on and also knows that three of the brothers don’t deserve the same kind of punishment as the other one does.”
I shutter my eyes and cross my arms.
“I get it.” Detective Chandler raises a hand. “You won’t sell your family out. Not to some pig, right?”
“If you already know, why are you asking?”
“Because I can tell you’re agitated and you keep checking your phone when you think no one’s looking. I can give you an out, Liam. I can promise a deal for your brothers.”
“I’m not putting my brothers in jail. Been there, done that. They couldn’t survive.”
“I hear you, I do. But say SWAT gets a tip to be somewhere, or maybe some street cops, clean ones, just happen to be strolling along…” He raises an eyebrow. “I don’t have to be involved—hell, I won’t be involved. That way nothing traces back to you, nothing traces back to Maggie. It’s just a coincidence.”
“That’s not how I do things, Detective. You know that better than anyone.”
“Shawn’s going to get someone killed,” he says.
I know.
“Could be one of your brothers.”
I know that, too.
“I can help you prevent that.”
“I’ve got things under control.”
He raises his cider to his lips and tilts his head back, looking at me from the side, telling me exactly what he thinks of that statement with one cocked eyebrow.
“Maggie likes you.”
I frown, confused by the sudden switch in conversation.
“Don’t break her heart.” He says it like the dad he is, but I hear another message there.
I open my mouth to respond, not totally sure what to say. My phone rings, saving me. It’s Ronan.
“I’ve got to take this.” I don’t wait for a reply. I just get up and walk away.
“Ro, where are you?”
“What do you mean, where am I? I’m at home. Why, where should I be?” He laughs awkwardly. He’s not alone. “How’s the family reunion? You getting your fill of watching the detective’s family do their sack races and barbecue?”
I glance over at Maggie and the croquet game. “Is Shawn there with you?”
“Yeah, man.”
I sigh, rubbing my hand over my face. Shawn can be a paranoid fuck at times. With a big deal going down like this, he’s probably up Ronan’s ass making sure the details don’t get fucked up. “Did you get my email?”
“I got it.”
“So why are you still there? I told you to leave.” I pause. “Do you need money?”
“Hell no, I’m good.” Ro muffles the phone, and I can make out talking. When he comes back on, he’s breathing heavy. “No worries, bro.”
There’s an echo and a beep-beep of a car alarm disengaging. “I’m alone.” A car door shuts, and the engine revs to life.
“Did you not understand what I was telling you in the email? You can’t be a part of this deal, and your paperwork scheme isn’t going to work.”
“I know. I’ve got another idea. This one is way better. Brilliant, actually.”
My stomach sinks. “What is it?”
“It’s better you don’t know. I shouldn’t have included you in the last plan, sorry. You were right about that.”
“Ro, tell me what the new plan is. I know these guys Shawn’s dealing with. They have men on the inside. Guys who make life Hell in prison. Worse than just the average prison Hell. It’s not a crew you want to fuck with.” I pause, considering Detective Chandler’s words. “They probably have guys on the force, too. You fuck with Shawn in an obvious way and you’ll be in a world of hurt.”
“Whoa, calm down, man.” Ronan laughs. “The less you know, the better. Seriously, don’t worry about it. We managed fine while you were away. We’ll be fine now, too. Thanks for the insight last night. You got me thinking in a totally different direction, but I’ve got it now. Enjoy your vacation with your sweet coffee girl.”
His words are harsh and dismissive.
“Ro—”
“Seriously, Liam, you’ve paid your dues. Leave this to us. I guarantee, my plan will work. Shawn won’t have a clue what went wrong, and the deal will be null and void.”
I open my mouth to argue, but Ronan hangs up before I can utter a word.
Chapter Fifteen
Maggie
Liam is distracted, and something has put him in a bad mood. I only know this because he’s quiet, brooding like he does at the coffee shop every morning, lost in his thoughts. And I can’t get close enough to ask him about it because it’s lunch, and of course, Aunt Chrissy has another game going. But I know something’s wrong because his easy smile seems miles away.
I steal glances in his direction, trying to catch his eye, but he’s staring down at his phone more than he’s actually looking up. Even Aunt Chrissy’s game, designed to get people talking and moving, is not enough to pull him in, and why should it? This isn’t his family. He has no actual obligation to be here.
I get this weird bottoming-out sensation in my gut.
I take a step in his direction when I feel a firm tug on my arm.
“Maggie, darling, sit with me a minute.” Grandma tugs my arm again, her grip surprisingly strong. I sway to the side.
I glance one more time toward Liam, see that his frown has deepened. “I think I need to talk to Liam, Grams.”
She’s smiling up at me, her wrinkled face full of warmth, her eyes glittering happily. “No dear, leave him be.” She shifts her gaze to him for a few seconds then back to me. He lifts his phone to his ear and starts talking. “He needs a moment longer.”
I sigh then sit down with her. Aunt Chrissy’s game is kind of like charades but with words. Partners have to guess a movie or event based on clues, but it’s winding down as the food is being served and everyone settles into their seats. Conversations create a white noise that makes it impossible to hear anyone who isn’t sitting next to you. Liam hasn’t taken his seat; he’s still lingering off to the side, phone pressed to his ear, lips barely moving. Jaw tight, forehead pinched. His body language makes me feel like he’s going to bolt.
He was sitting with Dad earlier, and I have to wonder if he got the third degree. I suddenly realize how little he has invested in me, surely not enough to put up with an overprotective father who also happens to be a detective. That’s enough to get any guy running for the hills. Trust me, I know. For Liam, that’s gotta be eating at him, worrying about Dad finding out about his criminal past. Why would he endure that for me when he could simply leave?
That strange, uncomfortable feeling amps up, churning my stomach.
“You like him, don’t you?” Grandma’s words are spoken softly, and I have to lean into her to hear her clearly.
“Of course I like him.” I give an awkward laugh. “Why would I be with someone for four months if I didn’t like him?” I roll my eyes and pray that doesn’t sound as forced as I think it does.
Grandma pats my hand indulgently. “You may have your mother fooled, dear, but you know you don’t have me fooled. Shame on you for trying.”
I suck my bottom lip in and wince. “Sorry, Grams.” I pick up my water glass and take a few gulps, trying to dislodge the lump in my throat. If Grams has figured it out, who else has? I told Dad that I didn’t know Liam well and that our relationship wouldn’t be going past this weekend, but what if he’s figured out more? The man is a detective—he probably knew before he even met Liam that this is all a ruse. Hell, he probably has a file on Liam. It makes me nervous about what he may have dug up by now.
“You don’t have to look so panicked, dear.” She laughs. “Your mother hasn’t a clue, and I’m just teasing. You know your grams knows everything.”
I nod and offer a weak smile. The lump is still there, so I keep drinking. Sip. Sip. Maybe I can get out of this conversation if my bladder explodes. Sip. Sip.
“So tell me about him, then. Is he a friend? A rent-a-date?”
I sputter on my water. “Rent-a-date?” And then I laugh because yeah, he kind of is.
She shrugs. “What? It happens, doesn’t it? Escorts, they’re a thing. You can hire a man to lick your—”
“Grandma! You’re talking about prostitution!”
She shrugs again. “Whatever works for you.”
“Oh my gosh, no, Grams, he’s not an escort!” I lower my voice when I realize heads have turned in our direction, my voice somehow louder than the white noise. “He’s a guy from work.”
“Okay, so a friend?”
“Not exactly.”
The waiters serve us the first course, which is a cold plate with meat, cheese, olives, some other pickled things. I glance over at Liam and see that Aunt Geri has somehow enticed him to sit next to her. He’s still frowning, but his phone is no longer at his ear; it’s now clenched in his fist like his life depends on a call coming in. My aunt is managing to get him talking, to drink some wine. I relax a little, the tension in my shoulders easing.
“He’s a customer at the Coffee Hut. I needed a date for this weekend to spare me the usual poking and prodding from Mom.”
“Ah, I see.” Grandma rolls some of the meat around a piece of cheese, her fingers trembling slightly as she does. “So you thought you’d bring a ringer to the reunion, no strings attached, right? Get a little satisfaction and keep your mother from pestering you to have babies.”
“Grandma! I think you’re reading too many magazines!” No strings attached doesn’t sit well with me. I hadn’t thought of it like that, but I realize now it’s exactly what I’ve got set up with Liam.
Sounds pretty selfish of me when I think about it, especially since he’s gone out of his way to make sure my weekend has been pretty great so far. Now something is wrong, and I don’t know how to help him, and yeah, I want to help him, or at least talk to him, find out what’s going on. It’s the least I can do considering all the crazy shit he’s willingly participated in so far this weekend. And I want to because, well, I like him.
“I saw you talking to Bernard.” Grandma is picking at her food now, moving the olives around with her finger. “He told you, didn’t he?”
“Told me what?” My default is to play dumb when it comes to secrets. There’s no way I’m going to be accused of spilling the beans first when someone has entrusted me with sensitive information.
&nbs
p; “That he’s in love with me.” She picks up an olive and pops it into her mouth, grinning the entire time. “Has been since the day we met.”
“So you knew,” I blurt then immediately cover my mouth. Oh yeah, Maggie, you’re a vault.
Grandma winks and nods. “I suspected back then but knew for certain as time went on.” Her smile falters slightly. “I loved your grandpa.”
I pat her hand. “I know, Grams. No one would question that. You two were love birds.” And they were, right up until he got sick and even beyond; they were always touching some way, even if it was just a hand on a shoulder or a peck on the cheek. They showed their love always, just like my mom and dad do, despite all of our protests.
“Well, what I’m about to say then will shock you.” She lifts a finger and spears me with one of her looks. “But I think it’s something you need to know.”
I gulp, feeling the weight of anticipation sliding down my spine.
“I always loved Bernard, too. Not like a brother, I mean.”
My mouth drops open. Grandma laughs then pops another olive in her mouth. “I wouldn’t have waited for him, mind you. He took off to live his own blissful dream at Oxford, and I’m not the type of woman to waste away waiting for true love to return to her. So I set my sight on your grandpa and fell in love with him, too.”
“You married your second choice?”
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