Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
What the hell was that all about?
I wasn’t sure, but I knew I needed to talk to Finn.
FINN
No phone call that happens at four a.m. brings any good news with it. Niall’s voice was thick when I answered.
“What happened?”
“Mum. She had a stroke.” He paused, and I heard him swallow. “It’s bad, Finn.”
“How bad?”
“Bad.”
“I’ll get the plane ready. I’m coming with you.”
“Thanks.”
I hung up and scrubbed my hand over my face. I called my pilot with instructions to file a flight plan and let me know how quickly we could depart, then I rested my head in my hands.
I wasn’t worried about the hotel. My managers would run it while I was gone. The casino staff would look after that side of it. But my territory—with both Niall and me out of the country, that left us vulnerable.
I shook my head and sighed. I really had only one option. I scrolled my contacts and called the one person I could trust. He answered on the first ring, his voice as awake as if he’d been waiting for my call.
“O’Reilly?”
“Roman, I need your help.”
“Tell me.”
An hour later, Roman Costas was in my office, dressed, looking as if he’d just stepped off the runway. He listened as I explained everything, my instructions basic since he knew even better than I did what had to happen in the hotel, the casino, and even the territory.
“Everything is peaceful and smooth. I want it to stay that way.”
“Any issues? Personnel? Crews?” he asked.
“Nothing.”
“Murphy?’ he asked. “The brother?”
“Well, a pain in my ass, as always. He isn’t happy about his demotion. Or the money I am making him repay. But he’s toeing the line.” I took a sip of coffee. “Although Niall noticed he was on edge the last week. Jittery.”
“I’ll watch him.”
“Good.”
“And the sister?”
“Under my protection. She is to be kept safe above all else. Happy.”
“I figured as much.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his thighs. “I’m going to divide my time between here and Niagara. Aldo and I will make sure this place is covered, your territory is kept under control, and I will make sure your Una is safe.”
“I appreciate it. I owe you.”
He waved his hand. “Working together was always part of the plan. I wish you a safe journey. When do you leave?”
“Two hours. Just enough time for me to take you around and introduce you to the key people. One of my top men will take you anywhere you need to be and give you access to anything you require. You can reach me day or night.”
He nodded. “Only in an emergency.”
I stood. “Let’s do this.”
An hour later, I headed to my suite, grabbing my bag and packing quickly. Niall was with Roman and Aldo, finishing up the introductions. I made a few calls, then snapped my suitcase closed. I sat down and dialed Una for the third time, waiting impatiently for her to answer. I wanted to tell her I was going myself, not leave a message. I really wanted to see her, but she was working a later shift today, and there wasn’t time to go to her place before the airport.
“Hello?” she answered, breathless.
“It’s Finn. Are you okay?”
“I was in the shower. I kept hearing the phone ringing. Are you all right?”
“I’m flying to Ireland shortly.”
“Oh, Finn,” she replied, her voice soft. “I’m so sorry.”
“Roisin had a stroke—a bad one. Niall needs me. She needs me. I don’t have much choice.”
“Of course not—they are your family. You have to go. Oh, I wish I were there with you.”
“So do I.”
There was a pause. I cleared my throat.
“Roman Costas is running everything while I’m gone. If you need something, you call him. Anything.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Una. Anything. You understand me?”
“Yes.” She hesitated. “You can call me anytime too, Finn. If you need to talk or a shoulder. I’m here.”
“I know, mo chroí. I know.” I took a deep breath. “We’re going to talk when I get back, do you hear me? Really talk.”
“Finn…”
“My patience is done.”
Her intake of air was fast.
“Done,” I repeated.
“I heard you the first time, Finn.”
“Just so you understand. Life is too fucking short, Una. I’m not spending it without you anymore. Think about it while I’m gone.” I paused. “Tá mé i ngrá leat. I love you.”
I hung up before she could reply.
CHAPTER EIGHT
FINN
The plane trip was smooth and mostly silent. Niall was lost in his thoughts, no doubt worried and upset. He and I weren’t good at discussing feelings. He knew I was there, would offer any support I could, and that was enough for him.
The onboard staff stayed away, offering food and drink we accepted, although the food was mostly picked at.
The drinks, however, were replenished a few times.
I spent the flight checking emails, texts, checking in with Roman and getting told off for doing so.