She nods her head. We leave our room and make sure no one’s followed us. Tiernan gave me the directions for where we’re to meet the men of the Boston mob tonight. He’ll introduce us.
Admittedly, I don’t know much about the jobs he’s done here, except that he’s had something to do with the arms trade from Ballyhock and Boston. Our biggest moneymaker in Ballyhock is the illegal arms trade we conduct on the coast and he’s brought that here to Boston as well. But how does he know about their trafficking? How much does Keenan know?
In Ireland, we have nothing to do with such things. In Boston, we may not have a choice.
We take an Uber to a nearby bar that’s within walking distance of where we need to go tonight. Fiona’s shut off her phone and left it in the hotel. I’m glad. Tonight, she needs to forget who she is.
Tiernan meets us outside the bar. I don’t miss the way a muscle twitches in his jaw when he sees his younger sister dressed in black, and the silver chain that goes from her wrist to my pocket.
“Brother,” he says with a chin nod.
“Y’alright?”
“Aye,” he says. “Can’t say I’m a fan of my sister coming anywhere near these parts, and if I knew her coming to Boston would put her in this position, I’d never allowed it.”
“Fuck off, Tiernan,” Fiona says, her eyes flashing at him. “You’re not in the position of allowing or disallowing anything, need I remind you.”
I tug the chain on her wrist. “Behave yourself.” Her eyes go to me, still angry, but she clamps her lips shut and doesn’t talk back.
Good girl.
Tiernan looks at me then Fiona, then shakes his head. “Do you have any fucking idea where we’re going?” he hisses at her. She opens her mouth to speak, but I interrupt.
“She does,” I tell him. “I’ve got this under control. She won’t do anything to endanger herself.” I lean in and whisper in her ear. “Unless you want my folded belt across your arse when I get you back tonight.”
She looks suitably abashed and nods. “Just a little high strung is all.”
“We’ll get you a drink when we get in there,” Tiernan says, then thinks twice about what he says and gives me a sidelong glance. “If that’s alright with you.”
This is hard for him, too. He’s been the one who’s watched out for her all these years, and though I’m like a brother to him, he has to relinquish her safety to me.
I nod. “Within reason, aye.” Maybe it’ll help her relax.
Tiernan leads us to the door, and two large, muscled bouncers let us in.
“Mr. Hurston,” one says, greeting Tiernan with a nod. “Calum is here tonight and would like to see you.”
Tiernan nods and doesn’t reply. Fiona watches us, taking in every detail. She’s never seen her brother in his role as striker for the mob. She’s never seen me, either, and a part of me hopes she never does.
We enter the dimly lit pub, and I’m aware of all eyes on us. Tiernan leads us past the throng at the bar, past the collection of circular tables in the main part of the bar, and toward the back where the population is more sparse. Several men in suits sit at long tables, and white-gloved waiters serve trays of appetizers and flutes of champagne.
“Well, isn’t this posh,” Fiona mutters.
Tiernan gives her a sidelong look. “You have no idea. This is only the anteroom.”
She blinks in surprise but doesn’t respond.
“Look at the floor,” I say to her in a harsh whisper. “Do not make eye contact with any of these men.” I squeeze her hand to emphasize my command. If ever there was a time when her obedience was crucial it’s now.
Tiernan walks right past nearly everyone, going straight to the back where two men sit. They’re dressed impeccably in custom-made suits, but I can still see the markings of signature mob ink on their necks.
“That’s the Chief, Calum,” Tiernan says. “They’ve procured a shipment today from Ballyhock, and they’re here to celebrate.”
Fiona’s eyes widen. Tiernan’s jaw twitches. “Arms, Fiona. Not the other kind.”
She relaxes but only a bit. Christ, I don’t like having her here, surrounded by so much depravity. If I had my way, I’d secret her away, bring her back to Ballyhock, and put a ring on her finger. Keenan would likely give us private residence in the McCarthy family home. I’d sleep peacefully at night knowing she was as secure as could be within the walls of our fortress, my brothers ready to defend until death.
But tonight, I don’t have that luxury. I still need to earn my spurs.
When we get closer, Fiona halts in her tracks. I place my hand on her arm and bring her along, but it isn’t until we’re within a yard from the men at the table that I see why she hesitated. Four women, stark naked, cuffed and gagged, sit on the floor by the men.