Different operations, different losses, but with the same precision.
Nobody guesses their way into that. Nobody gets lucky three times. Whoever is behind this knows exactly where to apply pressure and how much pressure to apply. What bothers me is the overlap, we don't share operational details with the Delaneys, and the Delaneys don't share them with the Kings.
We're allied, not transparent. For someone to hit all three organizations this accurately, they either have multiple sources or one source sitting somewhere that gives them sightlines across all three.
I don't know which yet.
One is a leak, the other is something far more dangerous.
I finish my drink and set the glass down. I still don't have a name, but eventually everyone slips.
Chapter 6
Quinn
I’m just coming out of my bedroom when Mamie rushes toward me, her face flushed, and her breathing hard. "Mr. Mariano is here,” she says panting, as though she’s ran up the stairs the moment he entered the house. "He’s waiting for you in the front sitting room."
I glance down at the pale pink sundress I’m wearing. I’m barefoot, my toenails painted the same pale pink as my dress, and my hair is in loose curls, wet from the shower. I don’t have time to change. Lorenzo’s already here, and if I make him wait, Da will lose his mind.
“Thanks, Mamie, is Da with him?” I ask, hoping like hell he’s left for his meeting with Tony.
“No, Miss Quinn, he left, but both Mr Daithí and Mr Conn are around here somewhere. As is your mother and sister,” the clear disdain at speaking about my mam and sister always makes my heart soar. Mamie has witnessed everything that has happened in this house. She knows the ins and outs of the business, but doesn’t speak out of turn. Sometimes her feelings slip out, especially where Mam and Daire are concerned.
I give her a grateful smile. “Thanks, Mamie, you’re the best.”
I glance down at my clothes and grimace. I should really get changed.
“You look beautiful, dear, stunning just as you are. Mr. Mariano would be a fool if he didn’t think so.”
Tears sting my eyes, but I don’t let them fall. God, Mamie is beyond the greatest. I reach for her hand and squeeze her as I press a kiss to her cheek. “Thank you,” I whisper, my throat clogged with emotion.
She gives me a watery smile and waves me away. “You’d better get going, girlie. You don’t want to leave him waiting.”
I quickly make my way downstairs and find Lorenzo seated on the couch. The moment he sees me, he stands. "Quinn," he says, his voice velvety smooth. I watch as his gaze roams along my body.
I feel my blood heat as his gaze reaches my face. I see the interest spark in his eyes before it’s gone.
I take a deep breath and smile at him. "Lorenzo,” I reply as I close the door. "You could have called ahead."
What the hell was wrong with me? I really need to learn to think before I speak.
His lips curve at the ends. "I did,” he says dryly. “Your brother told me you were home."
It has to be Caden, damn him. I'm going to have words with him. No doubt he probably did it on purpose to stop me from overthinking it, which is aggravating, but sweet.
Lorenzo reaches into his inside jacket pocket and sets a black velvet box onto the table in front of me.
I frown, staring at it. What is it?
Lorenzo’s lips curve wider. “It’s not going to bite you, Quinn. Open it.”
I take a step toward the table, more than aware that he’s watching my every step, and I open it. My breath catches as I stare at the beautiful ring. It’s an emerald, deep green set in gold. It’s huge, but absolutely stunning.
"It's beautiful," I say, breathlessly.
“I’m glad you like it. I picked it out myself.”
I turn to face him, shocked that he didn't get someone else to purchase it, but instead chose it himself. "It really is beautiful."
