“I got a lead on him,” I said. “Followed him to a breakfast spot, then followed his car to a house outside of West Philly. I think he lives there.”
“You found Colm’s house?” Dean sounded genuinely surprised. “That guy’s been like a ghost. I’ve had him followed more times than I can count but he always slips away.”
“His driver was good,” I said, shrugging. “But I kept on him. I haven’t had time to stake it out yet, but I have a good idea of how I’ll handle this.”
“Then handle it,” the Don said with some force. “I want him dead, Ewan. This is your most important job yet.”
“Yes, sir,” I said, and took a step forward. “But I have other important news.”
The Don tilted his head. “What’s so urgent then?”
“She agreed to marry me,” I said, and gestured back to Tara, who hung back awkwardly.
“I see,” the Don said, and a smile spread across his face. “That is good news. I should congratulate you both then.”
“It’s only for her protection,” I said. “She’s not joining the family, and when this is all over, I’ll let her leave if she wants.”
“I’m sure,” the Don murmured. “Come here, girl. Step over here.”
Tara came forward almost reluctantly. I caught Dean’s eye and he winked at me, grinning mercilessly.
“You two make a fine couple,” the Don said. “And now that you’re marrying into the family, Tara, I hope that you’ll be as helpful as you can.”
I felt her stiffen, and I spoke up before she could say anything. “Sir, I know you want information about her father’s business, but she doesn’t know anything.”
If he was disappointed, he didn’t show it. “I’m sure that’s not the only thing she can bring to the table.”
“I mean it, sir,” I said insistently.
“Let the girl speak,” he said, tone getting sharp. “Is this true?”
“It’s true,” she said softly. “I didn’t know what my father did for a living until Ewan came into my life. Now I realize that I was stupid and naive, but it’s the truth.”
The Don pursed his lips. I could see him calculating already, trying to decide if he believed her or not. “I checked up on her story,” I said, which was only half true. “She wasn’t involved at all.”
“It’s interesting you say so,” the Don said. “Since you’re so against the business to begin with.”
“It’s no secret that I dislike trafficking,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, though I felt a touch of anger at the way the Don looked at Tara, and the way he spoke to me. “And it’s no secret that you’re trying to expand into that market.”
Nobody moved. The silence hung thick. Dean looked like I’d punched him in the face as he sat back and stared up at the ceiling, then squeezed his eyes shut. I met the Don’s gaze and held it, unflinching and unable to look away. I respected this man and gave him my everything, and yet he was so willing to get involved in something I found so reprehensible. I had to wonder if he would be in his position if it weren’t for all the men I killed for him and all the power I brought to the family.
He leaned forward and steepled his fingers. “Are you questioning my decisions, Ewan?” he asked slowly.
“Yes, sir,” I said. “I’m wondering why you’re doing this, when you know how I feel.”
“There’s only so much money to be made,” the Don said. “New markets are necessary if we’re going to keep growing.”
“Then maybe we shouldn’t grow,” I said sharper than I’d intended.
“Careful,” Dean said.
The Don held up a hand. “It’s all right, Dean,” he said. “Ewan is passionate about this topic. Everyone knows it. And yet it’s strange that you’d be willing to marry the daughter of the most notorious sex trafficker in the city.”
I took a deep breath and let it out. Tara looked at me with big, round eyes, and I smiled at her slightly and nodded.
“Nobody chooses their parents,” I said. “I know I didn’t. I can’t hold the sins of her father against her, just as much as I won’t hold the sins of my father against myself.”
“Well said,” the Don replied. “But it doesn’t change a thing. I plan on entering into the business, Ewan, and I expect you to support me.”
I clenched my jaw tight. “I won’t do that,” I said.
“Ewan,” Dean said. “Not now. We’ll talk about this.”
“No,” I said, shaking my head. “If it’s a choice between being involved in an expanding sex trade, and leaving the family, then I’ll leave. That’s the choice you’ll have to make, Don Valentino. I’ve made up my mind.”
“I raised you like a son,” the Don said, hissing with rage. “And you think you can give me an ultimatum about my own business?”
I turned my back on him, on the man I used to look up to, now old and frail and half dead, and walked to the door. Tara followed quickly.
“Think about what you’re doing,” the Don said. “Think about it, Ewan.”
I didn’t reply. I hung my head and left, with Tara on my heels.
We didn’t speak as we walked back into the foyer, then out to the car. I sat behind the wheel and didn’t move.
“Are you okay?” she asked quietly, and touched my wrist with her fingertips.
“I’m fine,” I said. “I’ll be okay.”
“What are you going to do?”
I started the car and sucked in some air. “I’m going to kill Colm Healy,” I said. “And then I’ll figure everything else out later.”
She stared at me with surprise, but it slowly melted away as she leaned against my shoulder. I drove away from the Don, my mind already made up. I’ll kill the bastard Colm, and that might be my last act as a member of the Valentino family.
But at least I’d go out on top.
20
Tara
Night hung like a noose around the
