Kieran (7 page)

He passed out, and when he came to he was in the hospital emergency room. The antiseptic smell of ammonia was ripe in the air. Roscoe sat next to his bed with a swollen eye. The old man stared intently at him. “You don’t remember anything.” He scowled as he stood, clutching his ribs. “And I wasn’t here.” Roscoe hobbled out of the room.

Three weeks he spent in the hospital with multiple fractures. He was told he was in a car accident. Someone went to great lengths to cover up his injuries. He did what Roscoe told him to do and returned to that house in Lowell. His mother’s death was ruled a suicide by overdose of narcotics. That was true but he had his doubts and knew--there was so much more to the story. Fiona
  took
her life, or maybe the pills were forced down her throat. Either way He had an idea of who drove her to commit the desperate act if they in fact didn’t hold her down.  If it took everything he had he would return that favor to those son of a bitch’s responsible. Kieran was thirteen years old when he started planning the demise of Paddy O’Shea and everyone loyal to him.

***

Constant buzzing brought him back to the present. He gazed at the phone before grabbing the handset. “Yes?”

“Your two o’clock is here,” the receptionist whispered with a nasal tone.

He tapped his tablet and chuckled. “Please send Mr. O’Shea in.”

Danny Sullivan escorted Paddy O’Shea into the room.

Kieran leaned back and rested his elbows on the armrests. “I wish I could say it’s a pleasure seeing you.”

“I came for business. Your happiness isn’t anything I give a damn about.” Paddy sat down heavily. Danny took the seat next to his father.

“You’re billed by the hour. Take your time.” He could wait.

“I’m the one who put you through school--this is part of your repayment.”

“The money I earned in my youth more than covers the expense of my education. What do you want?” His
da’s
finances were dwindling. Extortion, prostitution, arms deals--name the entity and
they--he
and his brothers--had their fingers in it slowly driving their father out.

“When will you complete the union deal?” Paddy leaned forward in his seat.

“That’s none of your business, old man. My brothers and I considered our options and decided the detriment of including you in our dealings far outweighed the benefits.”

“Boy, I will break you and your brothers.” Veins rose up along Paddy’s temple.

“Feel free to try.” Kieran cocked his head. When Kieran was growing up, Paddy had been larger than life, a man to be feared. Now he was nothing more than a sorry old man. “What didn’t kill us only made us stronger.”

“Do you think I taught you everything?” Paddy stood abruptly. “Watch and learn, son. I own this city.” He leaned toward Danny. “Make the call.”

“Do your worst, Mr. O’Shea, and we will come at you ten times harder.” Kieran rolled his shoulders. “If there is nothing else?” With those few words, he dismissed his da. He could tell his brothers what he’d done. They would understand the joy he was experiencing, but the only person he wanted to talk to was Rica. Business first, though--his pretty girl wasn’t going anywhere.

***

“Rica, I’m heading out to pick up the parts I ordered for the ice machine.” Roscoe stopped in front of her desk. “Do you need anything else?”

“Just the ice machine to actually produce ice.” She pushed off the desk. “Are you really going to fix it this time, Roscoe? Big Bertha won’t even drop snowflakes now.”

“I admit it took a moment to find the problem, but I have found the issue and ordered the parts. All that’s left is to pick them up and install them.” He did a quick two-step.

“You’re not qualified. I told you to call somebody in to fix it.” She tapped her fingers on the blotter.

“Why pay someone else when all you have to do is slip a little something extra in my paycheck?” He grinned big.

“You
ain’t
nothing but a conman.” She chuckled.

“
Ahh
, but my morals are still intact…somewhat.”

“I don’t know why Kieran keeps you around.” She shook her head and pulled up to the desk. “What am I going to do with you?”

The smile faded, and he sobered. “I need a favor.”

“Okay.” This was a first. Usually she and Roscoe traded insults. It was fun matching wits with the old guy. In the blink of an eye he’d gone from gregarious to serious. “What you need?”

“I made a promise a long time ago to watch a good friend’s sons… Never mind.” Half his face lifted in a rueful smile.

“All right.” Where was this conversation going? “Say what’s on your mind, Roscoe. I need to finish payroll.”

Martin stomped into the room out of breath. “Rica”

“What?” She swiveled in her chair to face him.

“Kieran asked me to come by and get you.”

“That’s nice, but I got shit to do.” She faced Roscoe. “You were saying?”

He stared at Martin through narrowed eyes. “We can talk later after I get back.”

“We don’t have a lot of time, Rica. I was told to bring you the law firm now.” Urgency was in his tone. Martin rushed through the words.

“I’m busy.” She exhaled. Did motherfuckers think money magically appeared in their bank accounts? Maintaining multiple records was a chore, but hell if she trusted anyone to do it for her. “Kieran knows what I do every Thursday. If he wants me bad enough he’ll find me.”

“I’m off.” Roscoe ambled out of the storeroom. Pausing momentarily, he glanced back at her and offered a little smile.

“I want that machine fixed tonight before we open, old man!” she called after Roscoe’s retreating back.

“Kieran’s in a meeting with his brothers.” Martin clapped his hands together and shook them in front of his face.  “I was told to bring you back and I can’t afford to fuck up again. He’s already mad at me. Please.” Shit was serious if Martin was begging her. “Sounds like a personal problem to me.” She shook her head. “Given our relationship, I’m surprised he would send you.”

“Goo was coming, but there were some questions about off-shore accounts. Everyone is busy so
Keiran
sent me.”

She actually felt a little sorry for Martin. Kieran could be an asshole when he was pissed. Rica looked down at the multiple columns of numbers. Most of the work was done. She gazed up at Martin as he rocked on his toes. Kieran trusted him, and although Kieran never discussed his youth, occasionally he would let his guard down and she would catch a glimpse of his childhood. More than once he’d mentioned Martin from those days. This would give her an opportunity to find out what was really going on with the enforcers’ screwed-up drops before she discussed it with Kieran. “Fine.” She rode from her seat and snatched her coat from the chair back. “Let’s go.”

Fat flakes of snow drifted down from an overcast sky as she and Martin exited the building. Rica tugged her collar together and ducked her head beneath it. Martin took the keys from her fingers and locked up. He angled his head toward a car at the mouth of the alley.

“Hey!” Roscoe yelled, hurrying down the brick-paved pathway.

She stopped. “What’s up?”

“I got a little situation, Rica. I lost my wallet and I’m not sure where to find it.” A deeper red tinge colored his cheeks.

“Oh.” She stuffed her hands in her jeans pocket. “I got a couple twenties. Will that be enough? I think I got the business credit card.” She patted her jacket.

“No, it’s a refrigeration part.” He gazed up at Martin. “I can take Rica to Kieran. You go on and let him know we are on our way.”

“I was told to bring her.” Martin inched in close to her.

She twisted between the two men. “Roscoe, I’ll go back in the club and pull some funds from petty cash.”

“It would be quicker if you came with me. We get the part and I’ll drop you off at…” Roscoe spoke quickly

“Kieran is at the law firm.” Martin grumbled.

“Then it’s settled.” Roscoe gripped her by the arm and jerked her toward him. With a solid grasp on her elbow he started walking, leaving her no choice but to follow.

She trotted behind him and wrenched her limb free at the car. “What was that about?”

“I don’t trust that boy. Get in.” He pressed the key fob and the double clicks sounded.

Rica pulled the door free and jumped in. “Martin is an idiot but a harmless one.”

“Little girl, you learn in this business--you can’t trust no one.” He started the vehicle. “Kieran has you spoiled.”

“Really? And how is that?” She stared out the windshield, watching the wiper blades dissolve the white flakes. Beams of sunlight broke through the cloudy sky, making the bit of the slushy snow on the road glisten.

“Since he brought you to the club, he has protected you--and not just him. It’s like a law on the streets that you are guarded by the O’Shea brothers.” He snorted. “Making an enemy of those boys is like signing your own death warrant.”

“You sound like you been hitting the club hooch, old man.” She leaned back in the seat.

“I like a good shot of brandy like anyone else, but I have been watching. They are fighting their daddy for control of South Boston. Paddy has owned this area for years…I’ve been waiting for them to grow up.” The cars around them were thinning. He took a sudden right turn.

She sat up and looked around. They were surrounded by older buildings. Rica peered over at Roscoe.

A heavy sigh escaped him. “I didn’t want it to come to this, but I didn’t have any other choice.”

Uneasiness scarped at the back of her mind. “What are you talking about, Roscoe?” Discreetly she patted her jacket for her phone. The familiar bulge wasn’t there. Rica openly skimmed her hands up and down her coat in dread as she remembered where she left the device.

The older man continued. “Kieran wasn’t moving fast enough.” Roscoe stopped and put the car in park. He twisted in is seat and peered at her. His face was devoid of emotion. “I needed to force his hand.”

The passenger side door was thrust open, and cold air whipped through the interior. She gazed up. Casually dressed big men stood beside her.

One looked down at her and scowled. “You can move, or I can move
ya
.”

She swiveled in her seat. “Roscoe?”

“I warned you. Told you not to trust anyone.” He tightened his hands on the steering wheel. “I’m sorry.”

“What the fuck does that mean?” The other guy reached in and locked his meaty hands around her wrist, dragging her out. No way in hell was she going out like this.

I’ll make sure Kieran knows where to find
yo
--” The door was slammed, cutting off Roscoe’s words.

She hung back, and her feet slid across the sidewalk. The other fella closed his fist around her braids and yanked her forward. She hit the cold concrete with a thud, slamming her face into the abrasive surface. Rica lifted her head. The red taillights of Roscoe’s automobile disappeared as he took a turn. Dampness spread across her top lip. She licked her lips, and the metallic taste of blood flowed over her tongue. Her scalp stung as she was hauled up by the hair to stand.

“Danny Boy was right. She is a pretty little thing.” The larger man leaned down, staring into her face. “I bet you’re all kinds of fun flat on your back.”

“Fuck you.” She spat.

“Oh, we got a live one.” The other fella laughed.

It hurt to breathe. Her nose had to be broken and blood streamed down past her lips seeping into her mouth. Chilled air seeped through her open coat, making her numb. She narrowed her eyes and took in the man holding her. Because she was petite, most people didn’t take her seriously. She reared her leg back and plowed it between his thighs. His eyes widened before his face went slack and his skin paled.

He dropped to his knees and wrenched her down with him before he released her. She gripped his shoulders and scrambled to her feet. Hastily, she kneed him in the jaw. He swayed before falling back. Rica pranced to the side and swiveled on her heel. She met the gaze of the other guy before sprinting down the pavement. The cold air burned her lungs as she inhaled. Heavy footsteps followed her. She slowed up and veered left, leaping to catch the metal coils of a chain-link fence. Sharp points bit into her palm as she heaved herself up. Almost there, she reached for the top bar, missed a toehold and dropped, bouncing against the metal netting. Her biceps burned and beads of sweat dotted her forehead despite the cool temperatures. Her coat caught on a jagged spike and ripped.

The man chasing her clutched her ankle, and she flailed her legs. He twisted her around, forcing her to let go of the fence. She slid down, and he grabbed her by the lapel and shook her. Rica beat at his arm, twisting to get free of the jacket. He spun her around, rammed her into the barrier and plowed a fist into her ribs. Pain exploded through her side. She weaved her fingers through the diamond-shaped openings, pulling herself along the barricade.

“Where the hell you think you’re going?” He smashed another blow into her back.

Her legs went weak and tears filled her eyes. One foot in front of the other, she had to get away. Her vision wavered.

“That’s right. Run, girl.” His voice came from far away.

“Go to hell.” Her words were barely a whisper. Saliva pooled in her mouth, and she swallowed.

“This is for my friend.” He struck her in the back of the head. “You should have been nicer to us.”

She fell, her arms extended above her head as she clung to the fence. Dizziness made her head swim. The guy squatted in front of her. He stabbed his index finger into her temple. She shut her lids and took in deep breaths to slow the spinning.

Kieran’s image fluttered in her mind. She was always secure in handling her own because she knew he stood at her back.  No way in hell would her man allow her to leave this life like
this.
There would be hell to pay. Rica opened her eyes and tried to focus. “You’re going to die, and I’m going watch.” A faint giggle escaped her before everything around her faded to darkness.

***

Kieran checked his watch. Martin was supposed to pick up Rica and bring her to him then return to open up Irish. His man was fucking up left and right. He’d had his secretary make reservations for two for dinner.

“You don’t need me for anything else--right?” Both of Goo’s brows rose up. “There is a woman…with…” He cupped his hands in front of his chest.”

“Keep your phone on in case something comes up. Get the hell out of here.” Kieran waved his hand.

Martin passed Goo as he entered the office.

Kieran stared at him and tilted his head to the side to see beyond the younger guy. “Where’s Rica?”

“She’s not here?” Martin spun in place.

He tamped down his irritation. This was why most of his men were college graduates. Martin was going back to school this fucking fall. “Would I ask you where she was if she were here?”

“I guess not.” Martin chuckled. “She left with Roscoe. He said he would drop her off here after their errand. I stayed at Irish to open the bar and let the staff in.” He fell into the seat facing Kieran’s desk and pulled a magazine from his inside coat pocket.

Kieran lifted his phone and scrolled through the contacts. He tapped Rica’s number. He’d called her once already with no answer. Several rings, and the call went to voicemail. A swipe of the screen, and he ended the call before locating Roscoe’s number and hitting the handset icon.

“Hey, Kieran.” Roscoe’s chipper tone was loud.

“Where is Rica?” He was a lot of things, but when it came to his pretty girl, he was far from patient.

“I dropped her off.” Concern colored his old friend’s voice.

“Where? She’s not here.” He wasn’t getting a straightforward answer and the old mans feigned ignorance was annoying. He didn’t doubt for a minute that Roscoe didn’t understand what he was asking.

A female voice filled the background.
Flight eighty-nine to Memphis has been delayed
. “Listen, we picked up a part, and I dropped her off where she told me too. I’m picking up a friend now. I’ll call you when I get back to Irish.”

“Fuck that! You’ll talk to me now!” Kieran bellowed into the mouthpiece.

Martin’s head snapped up from what he was reading. He leaned forward in his seat, and the magazine slid from his lap.

“Who are you yelling at?” Roscoe spoke quietly. His tone a deep timbre.

“Old man, I don’t give a damn how far we go back. I will put a bullet between your eyes if you don’t answer me.” An emotion he hadn’t experience in a long time rippled along his nerves--fear.

“Did you know I was in love with your mother?”

Where the hell was this going? He could have Martin call
Fionn
to track Roscoe down, but his brother was doing a job for Shannon last they talked. Kieran lowered the cell and stared at Martin. “Get Goo on the phone. I want to know where the fuck Roscoe is now. Then I want you, and
Krank
to go get the motherfucker.” Something was wrong. His belly roiled. A man he’d trusted his entire life was acting off, and the woman who meant everything to him had last been seen with the son of a bitch.

Martin was speaking softly into his cell.

Kieran took several calming breaths ad raised the phone to his ear. Going off half-assed wouldn’t get him the information he needed. “Fiona was a beautiful woman. I don’t blame you for falling in love with her.”

“Between you and your brother
Conall
, you look the most like her.”

“It’s the eyes. The shade of blue is the same. Where is Rica?” He had to keep Roscoe on the phone. The last thing he wanted was this asshole throwing the damn thing away.

“I told you, I dropped her off. I was going to call you later and make sure you knew where she was.”

Martin rose and trotted to Kieran desk, he picked up a pen and notepaper, jotting down a message.
At the airport
.

He knew that. A twitch began in his jaw. He picked up the pen.
I know that. Pinpoint his ass.
“Roscoe, you’re not making sense. What does your feeling for my mother have to do with Rica?”

“She didn’t commit suicide. That old bastard had her killed.”