“You’ll stay?” I feel foolish asking, but I can’t help it.
He gives me one last kiss to shut me up before whispering in my ear, “Be good, Topolino. I’ll stay until you fall asleep.”
It takes a while, but eventually, the weight of his arm, the warmth of his understanding, and the relief of not being forced to be someone I’m not…I start to fall into slumber. My last thought is a prayer that Lio understands why I can’t stand next to him anymore, not as his Second. But I always will as his friend from now on.Even though I don’t deserve it…
My temples throb and I clutch my glass, hoping the alcohol or the pain meds I took will numb the pain.
I remember why I had children in the first place—to handle the shit I had no patience for. That they turned out to be such disappointments can only be blamed on my choice of mother for them. That’s a failure that’ll follow me for the rest of my life.
“They’re no longer falling for our tricks, sir,” Lachlan says stiffly.
“Force them out. I want this over and done with. It’s despicable they’re still alive at all.”
Lachlan blanches, color rushing to his cheeks, even as his black eyes glitter with the reprimand. “Our sources caution against that. Aside from Marcus and Antonio Martelli’s outing, only Doc has been seen outside the house.”
My hand aches with how hard I’m holding my tumbler. “What good is it to have spies if they can’t prove to be useful?”
“There’s concern they’ve been found out. Especially, since we lost the in we had to the west side gang… With Daniel and his family still MIA, we don’t know what’s happening there.”
I level Lachlan with a cool look. “Are you as useless as my children, Lachlan?”
“No, sir. I’m sorry. I know it’s not what you want to hear, but the situation is…delicate. Our source inside the Council tells me they’re not as put together as they are leading everyone to believe. Emilio and Roman are both in the hospital, as is Emilio’s right-hand man. They’re falling apart at the seams. We simply need to cut the cord and watch the dominoes fall.”
I purse my lips. “And how do you suggest we do that?”
Lachlan grins. “As you said, we need to flush them out… Take out one of the major players, and the rest will fall in line. Especially, if they’re as off their game as I’m being told.”
“Your source is reliable? Kieran also had a source within their ranks, and look how well that turned out for him.”
“Kieran was an idiot, and I’m only sorry I didn’t get to put a bullet in him,” Lachlan replies flatly. “Do not worry, my spy is loyal to you and your cause. I made sure of that. They’re close, not only to the Family…but their most vulnerable member…”
I smile at him, joy lifting my spirits a little. “I didn’t think you had it in you, Lachlan. Going after a child…”
He shrugs. “All’s fair in war, sir, we both know that. If they don’t…they don’t deserve their positions.”
Studying him for a long moment, I try to find any hesitation, doubt, or deception in his expression. Finally, I nod. “Fine, set it in motion.”
“Yes, sir.”
Lachlan leaves quickly. I hope he actually follows through. I don’t have time to train someone else should he end up with abullet in him. Hurting a child…well, it’s a risk that’s always on the table. The Martellis and Amatos should have known better than to think aninnocentcouldn’t be hurt—as if there’s such a thing as innocence in this life.
They should have realized that people can be turned… If they’re too arrogant to figure out how a spy got so close to them… That’s their problem for being too trusting.
Scrubbing a hand over my face, I toss back the rest of my drink, setting the glass to the side as I reach for my desk phone. Lachlan has his orders, but I’ve learned from my previous mistakes. I cannot rely on other people to get the job done for me.
Dialing the number, I contemplate pouring myself another glass, but decide against it. Sadly, I cannot afford to not be in control of my faculties.
The call connects, and I use my bestwin the people overtone. “Yes, Madeline, this is Seán Dowing, I hope you don’t mind me using your personal number.”
“Oh, Senator, of course not. What can I do for you, sir?”
“Just Seán is fine. I was wondering if you and your husband would do me the honor of joining me for lunch later this week? Just a casual thing. I hope this isn’t too forward, but I seem to have a lot of idle time on my hands after…after my children. And I’m finding I do not want to be alone.”
Her tone softens.“Yes, I think that can be arranged. I’ll have to speak with Arthur, but do count us in.”
“Good. You can reach me on this number anytime, with what date works best for you.”
“I’ll get back to you this evening, and if not personally, my house manager will. Is that alright?”
