“Let him go, Enz,” a quiet voice ordered.
He turned to see Colleen—looking banged up, but whole—as she stepped inside and closed the door behind her.
“Tell them everything you told me.”
Enzo released him, grinning when he coughed and sputtered. Keir rubbed his neck, and Enzo retreated to stand by the bedside.
“It was a set-up for a rat. We had to weed them out.”
“And why the fuck did you need the Leahys to do it?” Enzo asked, grinding his teeth and balling his fists to keep from rearranging Keir’s face.
“Revenge. It’s the same people who took out Aibhlinn’s father, Brian. The Army has a long memory and leadership always changes hands, given enough time.”
“Mum?” Aibhlinn whispered.
“It’s true, a leabnh. I checked with my connections. It’s legit.”
“Who?” Aibhlinn asked.
“Johnny Dunne,” Keir croaked.
“Uncle Johnny? He ordered ...” She shook her head.
His heart bled for her. Grasping her hand, he squeezed. “I hope you don’t think we’re trusting you after this. You been lying from the minute your ass stepped foot on US soil. I want you out of the gallery and away from my family,” Enzo growled.
“Yeah, and who are you? You’re not even a part of this.”
“Please give me a reason to fuck you up the way I want to.”
“You’re nothing but an interloper. You think you can get into Army business?” Keir said.
“You see my two friends out there? I got backing, little man. You want me to come for you? Your organization should’ve done its homework. You don’t roll into this town and not clear shit with the Wild Ones. This ain’t your territory.”
Keir’s mouth snapped shut.
“You got someone else to answer to, and I promise you he’s a lot scarier than I am. I’m going to enjoy introducing the two of you,” Enzo said, thinking of Big Mike and his brand of welcome for people who put his friends in danger.
“Enzo,” Aibhlinn’s voice was soft, but he recognized the steel behind it, “I want to talk to him first.”
“Fuck no.”
“Enz, please.”
“Fine, but I stay right here,” he said.
“Mum, can you give us a minute, please?” Aibhlinn asked.
“If you’re sure.”
“I am.”
He glanced back and met Colleen’s worried gaze. “I got her, Colleen.”
She nodded her head and slipped out.
“You can say what you need to from right where you’re at motherfucker,” Enzo said, desperately holding on to the last shred of calm he had as Keir stood. This was about her father.
“You say you did this for my da?” she whispered.