Page 80 of Finn

Finn lifted an eyebrow. “This doesn’t shock me.”

I stood. “No, he didn’t just pocket them. His friends would go in, and they would distract the owner. Ask for something on the shelf or whatever. While they were busy, he would take what he wanted and leave before the owner even knew he’d been there. He’d wait outside until the owner wasn’t paying attention, so it was as if he had never even been there.”

They stared at me.

“What if that’s how they’re doing this? With distraction? I mean, it’s simple and effective.” I explained about the groups I’d seen today. “One has the device and plants it where it won’t be seen. Or knows where the basement is and hides until it’s time. The cameras are all on the front of the store and the road. They could start the fire, slip out a window or door at the back and run along the alley, coming out blocks from the fire. I saw a guy today—his bright-red sneakers caught my eye. He was with the first group but then appeared farther down the street alone, as if he’d stayed back.”

Finn exchanged a glance with Roman and Niall. He stood, his phone in his hand. Niall and Roman were already on theirs, and they were all talking, issuing orders. “Una, which stores were they in?” Finn asked, his eyes wild.

“The bakery and the convenience store.”

He snapped instructions into the phone. “I’m on my way.”

He grabbed his coat, stopping in front of me. “You are a fucking genius, Una.” He bent and kissed me hard. “Wait here. Don’t leave this room.”

They left, a flurry of movement. Roman squeezed my arm as he went past me. “Brilliant observation,” he breathed.

Niall winked at me. “Clever girl.”

I sat and waited.

* * *

I dozed, waking when gentle fingers trailed along my cheek. I sat up, Finn sitting beside me.

“Well?”

“We found two different devices,” he said, looking exhausted but relieved. “The bomb squad dismantled them.” He smiled, shaking his head. “You saved the bakery and the convenience store. The bakery would have burned, but the convenience store would have blown up and killed everyone in it.”

“Oh God.”

“Roman’s guy and mine searched the cameras during the daytime. They found what you saw and went back. Similar MOs happened on those days.”

“The same men?”

“Some. Every business was checked, and from now on, no groups are allowed in. We’re searching for the men.”

“How old were they?”

“Older than they looked. It was a simple plan. Make them look like kids. Locals. Go in and buy something. Order food to make them busy or take their time picking cupcakes—whatever. One hid the device. Or slipped away and hid it later.” He rubbed his face. “And you noticed it.”

“Because I was looking and I noticed his sneakers. And the neighborhood was new to me, so I was paying attention.”

“I’ve sent word to everyone about what is happening and to watch in their territories. I’m not sure if this is personal or if they’re trying to take over other areas.”

“What now?”

He showed me his phone. “This guy. He looked familiar, and I think I saw him at Lopez’s track.”

I studied the picture, my breath catching. “He looks like the man I saw watching me, but younger. But they have the same eyes.”

He looked upset and swiped his phone. “We found this too.”

I squinted at the screen. The same man was with another person, deep in discussion. I couldn’t see the face, but I recognized the hair. “Brian,” I breathed out.

“I think we found Juan, and despite Brian’s denials, I’m certain he’s part of Lopez’s circle and he’s giving them information. Your brother is in something deep, Una. Dangerous.” He waited, then said the word I knew was coming. “Unforgivable.”

My heart lurched, but for the first time, I said nothing. No pleading, no begging for another chance. Even I knew Brian had come to the end of the line.