He looks me up and down before he introduces himself and his brothers. “I’m Liam Monahan. This is Killian,” he gestures to the smiling one, “and that’s Cormac.”
I bob my head. “Pleasure to meet you. You seem to be settling well into New York City.”
They sit, motioning for me to do the same. We’re left alone in this room, me facing them. Could they take me out right now if they wanted? Probably. Though that’s not why we agreed to meet. No guns drawn, let’s hope it stays that way.
Liam, the perpetually grouchy Monahan by the looks of him, speaks again, “We came to an agreement with the Flannagans, as they’re family, and our only interest is in taking over their small empire.”
For now.Until they get greedy enough to fight for more turf, more money, more power.
“As long as you don’t mess with us, we’ll stay out of your way,” he states.
I grunt. “Apparently there’s some confusion over our property lines. If you recall our skirmish last year?”
“That was our mistake,” Liam admits. He unfolds a large piece of paper on the table. “This is the map from Old Mister Flannagan. It seems to need updating.”
I look it over, noting where the Flannagans handed over a chunk of land to the Italians a few years ago in exchange for some favor or another. That turf was turned over to us when I married Ravenna.
Liam hands me a marker. “Draw it in for us.”
I catch his dark brown gaze, sensing a trap. I could easily create any new border that I want. They’d never know the difference if I took five blocks from them or twenty.
Glancing at Cormac, their leader, though he hasn’t uttered a word, I read the challenge in his eyes.
“Go on,” says the youngest Monahan, Killian. His friendly grin seems superficial at best, predatory at worst.
That’s when I realize this is, in fact, a test. The map before me is an old one, but they have a newer version somewhere. They’ll know if I’m honest or not. But they want me to think they’re ignorant.
Tricky Irish. Though I’m mildly amused that they think they can trick one of their own people.
I uncap the marker and draw the new boundary line exactly where it should be as three pairs of watchful eyes bore into me.
Done, I toss the marker on the map.
Cormac studies my handiwork, then nods.
“We thank you for this,” Liam says, seeming to answer for Cormac. I’m beginning to wonder if the man is mute. Those old wounds on his neck could have caused permanent damage to his vocal chords.
Either way, I don’t want my men getting mixed up with the Monahans. In a relatively short time, they’ve proven themselves not only dangerous, but cunning. A deadly combination. Certainly a hornets nest I don’t want to kick.
“We’re in agreement of the turf lines, then?” I need to make sure, to hear them say it.
Again, Liam answers. “We are.”
“Good. My men and I have partnered with the Italians, they protect?—”
Liam cuts me off. “We know all about the war between your people and the Italians. You married a woman from the Pontrelli family to bring peace. That’s quite the sacrifice, especially to take on that burden yourself. Very honorable, too. Because of that, we believe you don’t want another war with anyone.”
I dip my chin. “That’s correct.”
“Then we don’t have to worry about you coming after our slice of the city?” He warily eyes me.
“I don’t want it. You have my word.” Peace is more appealing to me than more… of anything. Though telling them that would make me appear weak, so I keep that thought to myself.
Liam glances at Cormac and they have some kind of silent conversation. All the while, Killian stares at me, unrelenting.Honestly, the guy’s starting to annoy me. But I don’t let my aggravation show. I won’t let them get under my skin.
Cormac rises, offering me his hand. I stand up, and shake it.
“We’ll be in contact if anything else arises.” Liam also shakes my hand.
