“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I thought you heard me. I just needed to get more coffee.”
She takes her earbuds out, “I’m sorry did you say something?”
“I didn’t realize you had your earbuds in. I’m sorry I startled you. I needed more coffee.”
“Have at it,” She steps away from the counter, “I didn’t realize you were still here. I figured you would have gone with Ciarán to work or wherever it is he went.”
“No, the time difference always hits me hard the first day. I figured I would hang around here, maybe even take in a swim. What are your plans for the day?”
“I wanted to go into town. You’re welcome to come with me rather than sit around here.” The thought of spending the day with her is enticing, but not as enticing as staying alive.
“I’m going to have to pass on that one but, if you want, you can hang out with me by the pool.”
“When I get back, if you are still there, I might join you.” With that she puts her cup in the sink, turns and walks out. Now, I’m left to my own devices.
Ciarán
When I get to my office, I find Patrick already there waiting for me. I’m hoping he’s come up with some sort of solution. He tosses his phone on my desk, gets up and pours himself a coffee. Well, this isn’t looking too good.
“What did you find out?”
“I crawled under every rock out there. I even called Tommy “the fork” La Donna, if anyone would know anything about it, it would be him. All he would say is Aiello really out did himself with revenge for his daughter. Under no circumstances does he want him dead. I asked him what that means, but he laughed and hung up on me.”
I’m trying to wrap my head around what Aiello could possibly want to do to Dax, when it hits me. “Do you think Eevee is somehow mixed up in all of this?”
“God, I hope not. What would make you even ask that?”
I’m weighing my answer when the door flies open, and Ronan come charging in. His face is flushed, almost like he ran all the way here. “Are you okay?” I ask him before he even has a chance to catch his breath. Patrick quickly hands him a bottle of water that he gulps down.
“Why the hell am I always the last person to know what’s going on in this family? Eevee, has finally decided to come home and no one bothers to tell me?”
“Calm down, man, she only got in last night. Patrick was just getting ready to head over to the church to tell you. Besides, how did you find out?” I hand him my handkerchief to wipe his brow. Meanwhile, Patrick glares at me, knowing I would never set foot in the church, so I had to use him as my excuse.
“How do you think?—McEnaney called me. I might not live there but it’s still my home, and I need to be kept up to date on what’s happening.”
McEnaney has always been partial to Ronan. Like I said, the youngest brother gets away with everything while the oldest bears the brunt of everything. As if that’s not bad enough . . . when it involves Eevee, she can do no wrong. “Did you make plans to meet up with her?”
“Not yet. I wanted to talk to you guys first and find out why she is here.”
Before I can say anything, my phone rings. I look at the screen and it’s Eevee. I hold my hand up silencing both of them as I answer the phone and put it on speaker. “Hey, sis, what’s going on?”
“Nothing. I offered to take your friend into town with me, but he gave me some lame ass excuse about jet lag. What’s his story?”
“Just a friend making a surprise visit. No big deal. Where are you now?” I divert the conversation away from, Dax.
“I did a little bit of shopping and now I’m headed towards you. Oh, and I took your Jag.”
“My roadster?!”
“Now, now, big brother, there’s no need to squeal like a bitch. I promise to be careful with your baby.”
“There are over fifty different vehicles and you took my roadster? Whatever. When will you be here?” I inquire. Patrick’s eyes grow wide and Ronan looks up to the sky for some divine intervention, apparently.
“I’m heading in the bar now.” She hangs up and I turn toward the TV screen on the wall.
“Well, guys, I guess it’s game on.” The door swings open and Eevee comes in like a hurricane. She doesn’t knock; she never did before, so why start now?
“Well, isn’t this cozy? All three of you are here.” She quickly gives Ronan a hug but there is still a noticeable chill between them.
“It looks like I interrupted something. If you want, I can come back later.”
“Patrick and I are working on a project. Maybe Ronan can take you out to lunch. Then you can bring him up to speed on your life in the States. I’m sure God will give him time off for good behavior.” His eyes seem to turn darker with the death glare I’m getting from him. For many reasons, I’m not a believer, and it’s always been a bone of contention between us.
“Sure, I can do that. Where would you like to go?”
“A quiet hotel bar would be nice and, Ronan, no talk about the church.” Ronan is shaking his head as they head out the door. Maybe he can get to the bottom as to why she is out here. Patrick closes the door and this time, locks it.
“So, Patrick, what do you think we should do about Dax?”
“I think you need to keep him on lockdown at the house while I try to figure out what Aiello’s plan is.”
“But even if we can figure it out, doesn’t mean we can stop it,” I give him a dose of reality.
He sits down and, once again, props his feet on the edge of my desk. “That’s where you’re wrong. I think we can buy out his contract. Let’s not forget Dax’s insurance policy. That is looming over everyone’s head.”
“Oh, you mean the one that fucks us too? Yeah, I haven’t forgotten that.” I slump into my chair knowing I’ve got an even bigger mess on my hands than some broad left at the fucking altar.
Patrick left hours ago thinking he could find a way to buy out the contract on Dax’s head. Some things are non-negotiable, and a father’s pride is probably at the top of that list. Personally, I have another idea that might work. However, right now, I have to work on the huge monthly transfer from the church. That’s right, I launder money for the church. Everyone knows I’ve been doing it for years. Everyone except Ronan, that is. Just another reason why I won’t step foot in the place.
A few keystrokes later and I’m done. It’s Dax’s program that made it possible to do this without any repercussions. Except if his email ends up going out, then we are all fucked. Now that I got everything squared away here, I grab my keys and head out the door. I need to head home and try to talk some sense into Dax.
Ronan
Eevee’s driving leaves a lot to be desired. No wonder Ciarán was worried about his Jag. “Feel free to slow down any time now, Eevee.”
“You need to chill out. Besides, we’re here, so you can let go of the oh shit handle.” She shoots me a look that involves an eyeroll. I pry my fingers off the handle and get out.
“Do you always drive like that or was it for my entertainment?” I ask as I close my door. She shrugs with indifference, and we head inside. The bar is small but empty at this time of day. When the server comes over, we order some bar snacks and Guinness. “Now that all of that is out of the way, why don’t you tell me why you decided to come home unannounced?”
“I don’t understand why everyone is making a big deal about this. I decided to get away for a bit. Since when is it a crime to visit my family?”
I’m about to question her when I notice the server on her way over. Maybe she will be more relaxed after a couple of drinks. I lean back in my chair as everything is put down in front of us. I hold up my glass, “A toast, Eevee, to good times and good health.” We eat and drink in silence. It’s an uncomfortable silence, like two people that have secrets but can’t or won’t share them.
“Ronan, are you happy?”
“Well, that’s out of left field and a very loaded question, at that. Why do you
ask?”
“I never could wrap my mind around why you wanted to become a priest. I mean look at you. You’re drop dead gorgeous handsome and if you didn’t have that collar around your neck, women and men would be dropping at your feet.”
I can feel a flush creep up my neck. Her words hitting a nerve. “I answered a calling that was greater than my own personal pleasure. I think about all I can do for people and I can’t think of anything else I would rather be doing. So, I guess the answer to your question is yes, for the most part, I’m happy.”
“And the other part?”
“There is no other part, Eevee; it’s just a figure of speech.” I quickly shut that down. “What about you? Are you happy?”
She gives me a smile, picks up her glass and clinks mine. “For the most part, Ronan.”
“I know that you fulfilled Dad’s open contracts when he was dying—we all know it—but what are you doing now? The only thing I ever get from you is an email once a month and a card at the holidays.”
“I fundraise for a local charity. It keeps me pretty busy.”
“Did I do something to piss you off that you feel the need to hide shit from me? How about we cut the bullshit? Just because everyone in the family chooses to ignore it, it doesn’t make it right.”
“Then why ask?”
“Maybe I was hoping you finally gained a moral compass and came back here to turn your life around.” With that statement, her face gets red and her dark brown eyes seem even darker.
“That ship sailed a long time ago. Actually, it sailed when I was born and Mom died.”
“It wasn’t your fault that she died, Eevee. Maybe you should stop carrying around that burden.”
“This isn’t a confessional, Ronan, so maybe you should mind your own fucking business.” She slams her glass down hard enough to rattle the silverware.
“I believe in redemption.”
“I’m happy for you. This family is so full of secrets, Ronan, maybe you should start at the top of the family tree and work your way down. By the time you get to me, if your head is not spinning, then maybe we can talk. Now, I need to get back home.”
I know she has an agenda. She gets up and heads out. I toss money on the table and quickly follow her.
Ciarán
The entire ride home, I’m trying to focus on what the hell to do about Dax. I know Patrick was being snarky when he suggested we bring Savanna here and have Ronan marry them, but it’s really not a bad idea. I know Aiello will never agree to a buyout, so it’s either marry her or die. I head down the drive and see my Jag is back in one piece, along with Patrick’s Rover. I roll up to the space next to his, cut my engine off, and get out.
I barely make it through the front door and Patrick’s all up in my face. “You took your sweet ass time getting home.”
“Hey, calm down; I had work to do first. What’s the problem?” I shrug. He points to the outside patio where Dax and Eevee are a little too cozy, cocktails in hand.
“What the hell? I thought she was out with, Ronan?”
“Well, apparently, he pissed her off and she dropped him back at his place.”
Her laughter waifs into the room, and I want to scream. “He’s a fucking priest for Christ sake. What could he have possibly done to piss her off?”
“Trust me; I called him to find out exactly what went down. He said he offered her redemption. He believes she has an agenda as to why she is here. You don’t think that Aiello hired Eevee, do you?”
His words hit me like a sucker punch to the gut. “Tell me again exactly what Tommy told you.”
“Aiello outdid himself with his revenge and under no circumstances does he want him dead.” I let the words run through my head over and over again.
“Fuck it all to hell, Patrick, it’s got to be her. What could Aiello possibly want Eevee to do?”
“Maybe we should confront her?”
“No! If she even gets a whiff that we suspect her, she will escalate whatever it is she is planning. We have to come up with a plan of our own, and I think your idea about bringing Savanna over here might be the way to go.” He looks at me like I have three heads.
“You know I wasn’t serious about that. Besides, you make it sound like it will be easy. How the hell are we going to convince her to come here and then get Dax to marry her?”
“I’ll go to Vegas and talk with her.”
He starts choking on his beer. “You?! You, who doesn’t believe in anything romantic, are going to fly all the way to Vegas and convince a broken-hearted woman that her prince charming is not a dick and is waiting for her in Dublin? Who are you and what did you do with my brother?” He has a point.
“Do you think Ronan will do it?”
“Oh, that’s even better. We can get the holier than thou priest to help us with this massive lie. You really want us to burn in hell, don’t you?”
“Well, that leaves only you or me. Do you want to flip for it?”
“You know what, Ciarán, you go. Then I can use your absence as an excuse to have Dax go with me to the bar. Since you won’t be there to run your part of the business, he can fill in for you. While you’re gone, I’ll make sure I take him everywhere with me, and I mean everywhere. If he is left alone with Eevee, it will only mean more trouble for us. I’ll try to find out more about his insurance policy while you’re in Vegas. Oh, one more thing, Ciarán, are there any more of these little surprises waiting that I don’t know about?”
“Hey, this was all Dad’s doing, so don’t go blaming me.” I head upstairs to pack a quick overnight bag. I pray that our plan actually works or we will all be screwed.
Ciarán
What the hell would make me think that I could fly all this way and convince Savanna that Dax is waiting in Dublin to marry her? Then again, out of the three of us, I probably have the best shot. Patrick doesn’t believe in anything, since he’s always cleaning everything to make it look like nothing happened. Ronan walks around thinking everyone can be redeemed. So, I guess that leaves me. I’m a middle of the road kind of guy. I know there is good in this world, but I also know there is bad. In my line of work, I usually deal with a lot of hypocrites. You know the do as I say not as I do crowd, especially when I’m laundering their money at a rapid pace. The flight attendant has indicated we will be landing shortly. Time to bring out my A-game.
Patrick
To think everything we have and all of our freedoms are resting on Ciarán. This is when you have to really trust those around you. Thank God it’s my brother and not some paid lackey. When Dad and Ciarán started this business, our loans were only offered to the locals. Dad never wanted to go any further with it. After he died, we decided to expand on the business. Ciarán didn’t want to just get by, he wanted it to be global. That’s when he got his hooks into the church. Since he’s been cleaning money for them, our business entwines with so many banks all over the world. Ciarán got exactly what he wanted, which in the broad scheme of things, is great . . . you know, diversify and all that. The thought that Dax could bring down this whole thing with one email is mind-blowing.
I keep wondering how many more of these little secrets are out there. I honestly think Ciarán has no idea. I guess we won’t know until someone tries to cash one in. I look outside and the two of them are still laughing it up. Time to take the bull by the horns. I head outside to break up their little party.
“Hey, Eevee, I thought you would be bringing Ronan back here?” I pull up a chair and wedge it between her and Dax.
“No, he had church stuff to do. Besides, I didn’t want to leave Dax here all by himself.”
“By the way, Dax, tomorrow I’m going to need you to come with me to the office. I have some stuff I need to go over with you. Ciarán had some business to take care of out of town, so he said you would be able to help me. See, Eevee, nothing to worry about.” They are both glaring at me as I fight the urge to laugh.
“No problem, I’m always happy to help you. Eevee and I
were going into town for dinner, do you want to come?” If ever I had the urge to throat punch someone, now is that time.
“Eevee, you’ll have to make that another time. I also have some personal business to go over with Dax that needs to happen tonight.”
“Not a problem, Patrick. When you’re done, Dax and I can go into town for a nightcap.” She smiles at me with the “fuck you, brother” look. I get up and put my chair back.
“Dax, when you are done, I’ll be in my office. I’m sure Eevee can show you where it is.” I head inside more pissed off now than I was before! It’s true what they say: brothers and sisters know just the right buttons to push. I’ll make sure I keep Dax busy all through the night if I have to.
Ciarán
Why on earth would anyone choose to live in a desert is beyond me. When we finally land, I hit the ground running. First up, Patrick arranged drinks with Tommy. He’s got his hands in everything and if he doesn’t, he knows who does. We are supposed to meet up at the Baccarat Bar at the Bellagio. I thought I would be early. However, when I get there, he’s already waiting.
“Hey, Tommy, good to see you again,” I greet him. He nods but doesn’t get up. He is usually a man of very few words.
“Ciarán, I don’t care how many favors you’re owed; I can’t help you on this.”
“Look, I already know that Eevee is involved. All I want is an introduction.” Even with his Vegas poolside tan, his face pales.
“To whom, Aiello? Why are you so intent on helping Dax?”
There is only so much I want to share with him. “I want to meet, Savanna. Can you do it or not?”
“Savanna—why the fuck do you want to meet her?”
Ciarán: The O'Hanlon Family Trilogy Book One: Social Rejects Syndicate Page 3
