Page 105 of Dirty Legacy

“No, Dad. It’s not happening.” Connor’s fist bangs against the door frame. He’s shaking with anger. “I almost lost you all. If not for Sinead sending me back, I don’t know what would have happened. Fergus would have won. Deck would have taken Angie.”

“But he didn’t,” I say, reaching for him.

Connor slips from my grasp and stalks to the window. “I find Deck. I handle him. That’s the end of it.”

The room falls into silence. Connor’s back to carrying the weight. It’s always how he is now, isn’t it? He’s the boss and in the end, responsibility falls to him, but he’s not alone. At least, he doesn’t have to be.

Cathal speaks first. “I’m not asking permission here, son. No, listen to me. I’ve followed you since you took over. Hell, I heard the whispers. Cathal Maguire’s too weak, but that son of his, now that’s a real leader. I stood by you. I did as you asked and never questioned anything you chose, even when it got hard. But now I’m saying, I’m your father, and I’m going to draw Deck out. I’m going to help finish this.”

“That’s not on you.”

“And it doesn’t have to be on you.” Cathal goes to his son. “I love you, boy. I don’t say it enough. Nobody in this fucked-up family of ours does. But I failed everyone during that fight. I couldn’t keep them safe, and now I want to make amends, and I’ll be damned if you try to stop me.”

“Hold on,” I say, getting to my feet. “You don’t mean that? Cathal, I’d be dead if not for you.”

He waves me off, eyes locked on his son. “You know how I feel, boy. Don’t make this hard for me.”

The struggle on Connor’s face is painful to watch. He doesn’t want to let his father get hurt, but what other choice does he have? After a brief showdown, Cathal steps forward and gives his son a single, rough hug, clapping him once on the back before releasing him. Connor hardly moves, like he doesn’t know how to react.

“Alright. Good talk.” Cathal walks to the door.

“I didn’t say you could go.” Connor’s voice is low and strained.

“And I wasn’t asking. I’ll call Deck. We’ll finish this.”

Cathal leaves the room. In his wake, Connor turns to the window, shoulders slumped, head hung.

I go to him. I touch his arm, lean against him. He shifts, accommodating me, then drops to his knees in front of me. I stand still, startled at the sudden intensity of him, as he pulls me against his face, his ear to my belly, his hands gripping my ass tightly. I run my hands through his hair as his eyes close tightly.

“You won’t hear much right now,” I say, smiling to myself.

“Just your belly rumbling.”

“Connor!”

“I’ll get you something to eat. Let me stay here for a minute.”

“As long as you need. I’m not going anywhere.” I cradle his head gently. “And your dad’s going to be okay.”

He doesn’t answer that.

31

ANGIE

“Can I admit something to you?” I whisper it into the inky black. It’s late and I can’t sleep. Connor’s body is warm against mine in bed. His breath is steady on my neck, the curve of my spine fitting to his chest like a puzzle, one hand gently on my belly.

“What’s that?” he asks, a quiet rumble.

“I’m scared.”

“My dad’s going to be okay. I’ll take care of him.”

“Not about that. I mean, that too, but—“ I cover Connor’s hand with mine. “The morning sickness is getting better, but it’s still not great. I’m taking the vitamins. I’m doing what the doctor says, and I’m still worried.”

“That’s normal, baby. You’re going to be fine. You were made for this.”

I slap his wrist. “Easy for you to say.”