In Too Deep

“You did. I figured I’d be in here in a couple months finishing what you didn’t. I would say that I could get you on a crew, but depending on how this shakes out, I might not have a job much longer.”

“I could see how Cahill might have a problem with you causing trouble. What’ll you do then?”

The thought had been nagging at him for a while. What would he do? He’d been focused on working for Cahill for so long, he hadn’t considered anything else. But it was time.

“You could start your own company. I might consider working for you,” Declan said.

“I would require you to not only show up every day but to be there early. There’s no starting at ten o’clock.”

Declan laughed. “When you’re the owner, sure there is. What difference does it make what time I start as long as the job gets done?”

“Most customers don’t want a carpenter hanging out in their house all night.”

“You don’t mind.” He crawled back under the counter to make sure everything was fastened.

“I’m not a paying customer.”

Declan bolted up, smacking his head in the process. “You’re not? I’m working for free?”

“Room and board, man.” Ronan lifted his beer with a smile.

“You’re an asshole.”

“Yeah, but you love me anyway. Besides, you know I’m kidding. You’ll get paid.” Now that the cabinets were almost finished, Ronan could see how good Declan was. He hoped paying him well would be enough of an incentive to get him to grow up and get a job. The man was a little old to still be couch surfing.

His phone buzzed in his pocket. When he checked it, hoping it was from Chloe, he saw a message from Brendan.

You need to come over. Chloe planted the bug and I got news.

“What the fuck? I’m going to kill him.”

“Kill who?”

“Our oldest brother. He did it anyway. He used Chloe.”

“Uh, not to be on the receiving end of this shitstorm, but I think I should point out that you’ve already said Chloe wanted to make her own decisions. I don’t think Brendan made her do anything. If she’s pissed, she’d do it just to spite you. Think Nessa.”

Declan was right and he knew it. “I told him it was too risky for her.”

“Sounds like she feels the risk is worth it.” He thumped Ronan’s shoulder. “Maybe she thinks you’re worth it.”

“She dumped me, remember?”

“You fought. She was mad and now she’s proving a point.” He dropped his empty bottle in the trash. “Dude, you should be paying me extra for teaching you about women.”

“Yeah, sure. Add it to my tab.” He finished his beer and held his phone, trying to figure out what to text Brendan.

I told you to leave Chloe out of this.

She wanted to help and we need all the help we can get.

You’re an asshole.

I know.

Ronan put his phone away and looked at Declan. “Are you good here? I’m going to head over to Brendan’s.”

“Depends.”

“On what?”

“If you’re still planning on murder, I might need help. If you’re just going to talk to him, I’m good.”

Ronan shook his head. “If I planned to kill him, would I tell you?”

“Good point. If you punch him, though, get a picture. Video would be better. I’d like to see.”

Ronan didn’t what to say to that, so he left. He drove to Brendan’s apartment and thought about what Declan had said. Chloe had a stubborn streak, so maybe she was just making a point. It didn’t make him feel better or worry less about her.

By the time Brendan buzzed him in, he was calmer and much to Declan’s disappointment, not likely to hit his brother.

Without even saying hi, Brendan said, “You’re not going to fucking believe this.”