“Melody.”
“Liam.” She kissed my cheek then whispered in my ear, “I’m not asking. I’m telling my husband I’m going to work.”
This was starting to work on my nerve.
“Are you taking Fedel?”
“He’s your guy now remember—”
“There are ‘your’ and ‘my’ guys now? I thought we shared everything, sweetheart.”
She grinned. “Good answer. Fedel knows everything; I told him to fill you in.”
“Be safe,” I said before kissing her again and watching as Mina left with her. Neal’s eyes met mine. Nodding my head toward one of the free tables, I called Fedel over. I took an apple and a knife. Declan kissed both Coraline and his daughter’s heads before walking over.
“What’s going on, Liam?” Neal questioned when we stood in the farthest corner of the room.
“Good question. Fedel.” I waited, peeling the apple in my hands.
“There is a new gang growing in Bella Vista.”
“All of the gang leaders in the city know to keep their presence to a minimum. We let them know the consequence of not doing so years ago. Bella Vista is managed by the Royals and I personally let him know,” Declan stated.
“The man you dealt with is dead, and the rest of the gang apparently has short memories because it is getting worse. This new leader is trying to build a name for himself. He wants to be feared, and his followers are loyal—not to mention he’s starting to get much bolder. From what I can tell he’s simply ignorant of the way things work around here.”
“Why are we just hearing about this now?” Neal shouted at him.
“Calm down,” I muttered, sliding a slice into my mouth. “I was already informed about what’s happening in Bella Vista.”
“And you let it go?”
My eyes narrowed on Neal. “Do I look like the let-it-go type of person to you, brother?”
“Sorry,” He grumbled. “We have peace, Liam. Real peace. Please, I don’t—”
“I understand that, which is why I’ve been waiting to see how far this new idiot would go. If he had settled himself and followed the rules, I wouldn’t have to step in, but apparently something happened in the last twenty-four hours I was not aware of?”
“Yes sir,” Fedel answered. “Last night there were multiple drive-bys, but the most notable one that is gaining media attention was a seventeen-year-old football player and honor student that died shielding his younger sisters, one nine, the other twelve. The shooter hasn’t been caught.”
“So Mel went to bring order herself? With no men?” Declan pressed as if I would tell him more; even if I did know, I wouldn’t tell him, but it bothered me that I didn’t know. “Does she have an inside man?”
“Not that I am aware of,” Fedel replied.
Neal shook his head. “I thought your setup was to keep her looking clean for when she ran for president. If anyone sees her…”
“Has my wife ever been careless?” I asked, sliding another piece of apple in my mouth.
“No, but—”
“But what about your wife?” I finished for him. “I’m happy Mina brings you so much joy Neal, and I understand your need to protect her, but remember she came into this family eyes wide open. She chose to work for my wife. She is loyal. Mel protects those who are loyal to her. You shouldn’t be worried. I say that knowing full well you won’t listen, but it needs to be said. The Callahan women are not just fashion icons and charity heads. They get their hands just as dirty as we do. If that is all, you both can go.”
Neither of them said anything more before going back to their tables. I could tell Neal was annoyed, but he was just going to have to get the fuck over it.
“Fedel, when did she tell you she was leaving?”
“This morning before mass.”
“And you didn’t fill me in then because…?”