Hopefully, it won’t cause Keenan too many problems either.
CHAPTEREIGHT
KEENAN
Iretire to the study and sit down on the leather desk chair. The desk overlooks the entire study, and it’s built into the cabinets to my left. The floor-to-ceiling built-ins make me think this has been here for quite some time, though the style of the aged wood confirms it. I couldn’t care less when it comes to things such as color or style, but I do have to say this study is built for a man like myself.
Making quick work of turning on my computer, I input my passcode and glance at the clock. Liam and I are going to be having a call any minute now. I should’ve been in here earlier, but the fact Delilah is running about the house has distracted me slightly. I know I offered for her to host the event here, but it doesn’t mean in the back of my mind I’m not regretting my decision. All of those people on this property, when the point of being here is to give me time to heal. Not to mention the publicity I’m sure hosting the event here will attract. There are bound to be press at her event. It wouldn’t be like her not to extend an invitation or two. She’d want the best news spread about the charity, naturally so.
Still, I wouldn’t ever let Delilah be stressed and frazzled like she was. I was able to offer her help, and I’m glad I did, even if in the back of my mind I’m berating myself.
The computer screen finally loads, and a call pops up from Liam. I click the green accept button, and sure enough, his picture pops up on my monitor.
“You’re looking better than the last time I saw you.” Liam starts the conversation with a cackle.
“I’d surely hope so.” He didn’t tell me what we’d be discussing today, but the man doesn’t have to. While I’m his cousin, I’m also one of his many trusted generals. Whenever Liam wants to call the shots, he can. Anyone below him has no choice but to bend over backward. I doubt anyone would put up a fight. He’s the most powerful man on the entire continent.
“Luca looked into some things for me, specifically in focusing on Asim’s whereabouts.” My throat suddenly goes dry as Liam’s words sink in. Asim. The man who pulled the trigger and could’ve ended my life. Looking at my cousin on the screen, his features grow cold like he knows the seriousness this discussion will bring.
Clearing my throat, I manage to get out the one thing I’m wondering. “Did you find him?”
“Yes and no. Luca was able to track him to parts of Belgium, but he found him on video in the Netherlands as well. From what we can tell, he’s been going around, tending to business as usual.”
Tending to business as usual, what a bloody joke. “I want his head on a spike, Liam.” I won’t hide my feelings, not in the least bit.
Liam leans back in his chair and nods. “I don’t blame you, but things won’t happen swiftly. We need to be prepared and think this through. There are many balls in motion at the moment.”
It’s growing increasingly hard to hide my frustration. The man shot me, left me for dead, disrespected our family. Why is he going on about things being in motion? The answer won’t matter. Asim needs to pay for what he did, and that should be the end of it.
“I see you’re angered by what I’ve said.”
“No shite, Sherlock,” I snap but quickly right myself. “Apologies. I shouldn’t have spoken to you in such a way.”
Liam waves a hand in dismissal. “You’re forgiven. You have every right to be upset, Keenan.” He’s damn right I do. From what the doctors have told me, my life will be changed forever. I may never hold a gun again because of him.
“You know, until the shooting, I couldn’t comprehend how one thing could completely change your life.”
“Really, you of all people?” Liam furrows his brows and waits for me to speak up again.
“I know, it’s ironic.” My mother died unexpectedly. I should know better than anyone else how one action can alter your life. I’m not sure why this is so different, maybe it’s because my mother had a certain amount of control in her untimely death. Whereas I didn’t have any control here. It all happened so fast, and before I knew what was going on, I was hit. “All I want is justice. I hope you can see that.”
“Of course I can. It’s natural to crave it. I have people tracking Asim and his dealings. Luca started the first bit of digging, and soon I will have men on the ground. This is something that has to be done the right way. I’m unsure if you know, but Asim’s twin brother captured Leticia. His brother died at our hand, and he’s vowed to end the Irish. It, of course, won’t happen, but the man is unpredictable at this point,” Liam states, appearing a bit frustrated as he speaks.
“Then why not take him out quickly?” We could solve the problem much sooner if we act now.
“Because he’s been going around to his allies, and I plan on watching him meet with every one of them. Then I’ll know who’s double-crossing our family.”
“Shite, you’re a smart-arsed bastard.” I cackle, and a smirk pulls at my lips.
“To outsiders, it might look like I’ve gone mad, but I promise I haven’t. I always have my reasons, cousin, and it’s something you’ll learn. Now, not to change the subject, but I’m curious. Have the doctors told you anything else about your shoulder?” Liam narrows his eyes, and I’m certain he’s watching my features.
“They tell me I’ll never hold a gun again. I’ve gotten other opinions, but not one of them is positive about my future.” It guts me to even be saying this, but it’s my cruel reality.
Liam nods over and over again. He runs his hand along the scruff of his beard and clears his throat before he speaks. “I haven’t told you yet, but I have great contacts in the medical industry. I’ll make some calls and see who’re the best physicians and therapists in Northern Ireland. Whatever I need to do, I will. We’re family, and this is what family is all about, lending a helping hand when one is needed.”
I want to tell him it’s okay, how I don’t need his help, but I can’t. If I lose the ability even to shoot a gun, then what good would I be? I don’t have a choice but to accept the help Liam is graciously offering me. With any luck, I might be able to make some headway on getting my range of motion back.
“Thank you. I do appreciate everything you’re doing.” Liam doesn’t need to be doing this for me, and we all know it.
