Ciarán: The O'Hanlon Family Trilogy Book One: Social Rejects Syndicate

by Theresa Sederholt

  He steps in front of Ciarán and offers his hand. “Hello, I’m sorry for your loss. I believe you are expecting me. I’m Jian. Can we go someplace to talk?” Ciarán rises up as he shakes his hand.

  “Yes, I was hoping you would come. We can go back to the house and maybe you can fill in the blanks.”

  “I’ll meet you back there.” Without another word, he turns and leaves.

  Ciarán

  The moment I’ve been waiting for is finally here. I get to find out not only who Jian is, but how Eevee saved the family. Even though Savanna has surprisingly been very supportive, I have asked her for some privacy. She agreed and retreated to her room. I have Mr. McEnaney put out a bucket with beer on ice. Ronan, who changed into his street clothes, comes in with Patrick. He looks at the beer but says nothing. “So that we are all in agreement before Jian gets here, let him do the talking and we will save our questions for when he is done,” I lay it out for everyone.

  “Ciarán, it’s not like we have a choice,” Patrick states the obvious. There is a knock on the door. Mr. McEnaney comes in with Jian.

  “Please, have a seat. I’m sure you know who we all are.”

  He waits for McEnaney to close the door behind him. “Yes, I know none of you knew about my existence until Eevee’s death. Sadly, that’s the way she wanted it. I have a lot to go over with you, so why don’t we get started? First and foremost, Eevee was my best friend.” It’s of some comfort to know she at least had one friend.

  “Jian, not knowing of your existence is a testament as to how private a person Eevee was. Where do you want to start?”

  “Let’s start with the mess you found yourself in. She came to me and explained what was going on with Dax. She asked me to help. Eevee only asked me one time for help. She was always doing everything herself. I knew it must be bad if she was asking. That being said, I was able to strip Dax’s program down to the basics. I removed his doomsday plan and put the entire program in your power. I wasn’t sure that it was a good idea. I thought maybe it was too much power for one man to have, but Eevee insisted that you could handle it. She had a lot of faith in you, Ciarán. Later on, I will go over everything with you.” I’m sitting here stunned. Why didn’t she tell me before we went into the church? Her death could have been avoided. I sink further into my chair, thinking how different things could have been.

  “Ciarán, please don’t think you could have done something different. Eevee knew she shouldn’t have taken the case. She also knew she had to play it out; her word was her bond.”

  “What was your relationship with Eevee?”

  “That’s where this comes in.” He pulls out a laptop from his attaché and holds up a flash drive. He plugs it in and Eevee’s face comes to life. I can’t catch my breath. I grab a beer and take a few sips to steady my nerves.

  “Are you ready?”

  “Yes, please play it.” I don’t really have much of a choice.

  “I was hoping Jian would never have to show you this. I want all of you to understand that it was very hard on me being brought up in a home with all boys. I never really felt like I fit in. That’s why I took over Dad’s part of the business that you all hated. It was my way of fitting in. After Dad died, I realized I was not fitting in anywhere. If anything, I was distancing myself even more. That’s why I decided to go to the States for college. I really felt I found my calling in life when I was awarded an internship with Supreme Court Justice Stewart Holestien. That is until one night when he held me in his chambers until everyone left. He beat me to within an inch of my life, right before he raped me. I managed to escape and found myself on a bench near the Washington Monument. I tried to make it home, but I kept passing out. Finally, a very kind man, out of the blue, found me. That man was Jian. He wanted to take me to the hospital, but I fought him on it, so he took me to his home that he shared with his mother, Yua. Ironically, her name means binding love and affection.

  Yua knew what to do to help me heal physically. It looks months, but little by little I started to feel like myself again. However, during that time, I found out I was pregnant. My world around me came crashing down, yet again. I lost my faith. I’m able to say those words now, but back then it was awful. So many times, I wanted to call you, Ronan. I wanted to know why God would do this to me. Why would you think he was all mighty? For a split second I considered an abortion. I know for some it’s the answer, but I also knew for me, it wasn’t. I couldn’t stay in D.C. for fear he would find out about the baby. I couldn’t come home for the same reason. I knew if I did, Patrick would move heaven and earth to expose him for the pig that he is. However, the judge is a very powerful man. He would have exposed my past and the past of the entire family. He would make sure I went to prison, and he would get his hands on my baby. I couldn’t take that chance. It was no longer just about me. Jian came up with a plan. He sent his mom and me to Japan to live with his grandfather.

  While I was living in Japan, Jian, erased everything about me from all social media. If you search my name on the internet, you’ll find I’m listed as deceased. My baby’s original birth certificate lists my name, however, after Jian got a hard copy, it was changed. He created a separate identity that I use for legal stuff like my condo and such.

  I gave birth at home, with the help of Yua, to a beautiful baby girl, Brigid. I didn’t want her to ever know any of this, so I decided she would know me as her aunt Eve. She is currently still living in Japan with Yua.

  Here is where the three of you come in. I have legally entrusted her future to the three of you. She has a trust that is worth twenty million dollars. Jian can go over it all with you. The only things I’m adamant about is Brigid must be raised by the three of you together. I never want her to choose between you. You all bring something to the table. You must have Yua live with Brigid. Finally, you must never retaliate against the judge. I don’t want Brigid to ever find out that she came from that bastard. I have kept her safe all these years, and I’m relying on the three of you to do the same. I love you all. Please always remind Brigid how much I loved her.”

  Jian places a folder down in front of us. “I know this is a lot to absorb. Here is a folder with some information about Brigid you will need. I’m going to go back to my hotel now. I’ll come by tomorrow to answer all your questions, and Ciarán I’ll need to show you how Dax’s program works.” He turns and leaves as the three of us sit here speechless.

  Jason Aiello

  After all these years, the fear I’ve instilled in everyone around me has paid off. A private flight to Dublin filled with enough muscle to cause some real damage. All of this curtesy of my underboss. My thoughts go back to that night and letter I got from Mr. X.

  “The deed is done. Unfortunately, Eevee O’Hanlon was collateral damage. Vinnie did tell Savanna everything, well everything except that you put him up to all of it. He did let it slip that you knew what he was doing. I venture to say that the O’Hanlon’s are out for blood. If you need me again, you know how to reach me.

  X

  I knew my daughter knew more than she was letting on. I’ve got to figure out a way to get her the hell out of there. If the O’Hanlon’s find out I was behind Eevee’s death, they will seek revenge which puts my daughter’s life at stake. I’ve only heard from Savanna once since she’s been in Dublin. I decided not to give her any notice that I was coming. The goal is to get her out safely. It’s time I take matters into my own hands.

  When we land, there is a van waiting for us. The O’Hanlon’s are pretty well known, so when I told the driver I wanted to go to the O’Hanlon’s house, he knew exactly where to take me. We pull up to a set of iron gates, but I don’t have a code. I press the intercom but I get no answer. I decide to get out and look around, however, there are no cars and no one walking around the grounds. When I get back in the car, the driver said he could take me to the family bar. It’s not like I have a choice, so we head out. Unfortunately, when we get there, there’s a sign on the door “Closed
due to death in the family.” So much for the surprise, time to call my daughter.

  “Figliòlo, where are you?”

  “Why, do you need to know that?” is how she replies to her father. I can feel my blood pressure rising like a pot filled with pasta ready to boil over.

  “I need to know since I’m in Dublin looking for you. I went to the O’Hanlon house, but no one answered. Now I’m at their bar and it’s closed. Again, where the hell are you?!”

  “You’re here? Why? I told you I was fine, but you never listen to anything I say.”

  “Look, Savanna, just tell me where you are, and I’ll come and get you.” I barely finish my words, and she breaks down crying. A father knows when something is wrong with his daughter no matter how far apart they are.

  “I went back to the Merrion Hotel that Ciarán originally put me up at. He said the family needed some privacy. They were meeting with someone to get Eevee’s affairs in order.” The harder she cries, the more I feel like that over boiling pot of pasta.

  “You stay put. I’ll be right there.” I hang up and tell the driver where I need to be.

  It felt like forever to get to my daughter, when in reality it was only fifteen minutes. When she opened the door, she threw herself into my arms. It was at that moment I realized how much my lifestyle has done to her. I’ve never shielded her from anything. You can’t go through life ignoring everything around you. Maybe I was wrong, but it’s too late to judge me now.

  “Savanna, let’s go sit down and you can tell me everything that happened.”

  She takes a seat on one of the many sofas in the suite. I get a couple of bottles of water from the mini fridge and sit next to her. “Now, why don’t you start at the beginning.”

  She begins with how she met Ciarán. Honestly, that doesn’t really matter to me, but as she’s talking, I realize it matters to her a lot.

  “Savanna, it sounds like you actually have feelings for this guy.”

  “This guy, Dad, is my husband and yes, I have feeling for him. It hit me when I saw Dax again.”

  “What happened when you saw Dax?”

  “I realized I was better off without him. Oh, Daddy, so much happened so fast. Before I knew it, Dax had Eevee in his arms with a knife to her throat. The only way Dax was going to let her live is if I married Ciarán. It’s the revenge he wanted. I agreed to it, I didn’t want to see anyone get hurt. Ciarán’s brother Ronan is a priest, so he married us. Right after that, all hell broke loose. Shots were fired and Dax, Vinnie, and Eevee were shot. We rushed Eevee to the hospital, but she didn’t make it.”

  “I understand you’re upset by all the events that went down. I mean, who wouldn’t be? But, by the grace of God, you are safe. You’re not legally married, so let me take you home.” I take a few sips of my water and try to gage her reaction. There is none. It’s like she totally closed down. “My beautiful figliòlo, please let me take you home, please.”

  “No, you don’t understand. Everything that happened with Ciarán, happened so fast. When I took those vows before God, I took them with an open heart and free will. I have feelings for him, Daddy. I’m not walking away.”

  The rage inside me finally explodes. As I jump from the sofa, I flip the coffee table and watch everything go flying. “Savanna, there is no such thing as insta-love and if you think I’m going to leave you here with this crazy family, you have another guess coming!”

  “Look who is talking?! How much of this shit was brought on by you? If I go home with you, I’ll be in even more danger. The O’Hanlon’s want revenge for their sister’s death. What goes around comes around, Daddy. How long before your troubles come around and bite me in the ass?”

  I can’t say anything because the reality is, she’s right. “I will leave you here for now, but I’m leaving Marco and Dante here with you for your protection. I’m not taking no for an answer.”

  “Have it your way but remember how you having Vinnie stick with me turned out.”

  Truth is, she is twenty-six years old. I can’t force her into anything. I pull her into a hug before I head out the door.

  Ciarán

  The three of us are sitting on the sofa, staring at the folder. None of us are ready to touch it. Finally, Ronan reaches out and opens it. When he does, there is an eight by ten photo of a girl that could be Eevee at that age. Patrick lets out a gasp. I feel my heart burning in my chest. Only Ronan stares at the photo saying nothing. Finally, he picks up the photo as a look comes over his face, a look of hope.

  “Patrick, do you see it?”

  “Ronan, what are you talking about? I see a girl that could be Eevee’s twin at that age.”

  “Ciarán, what about you? Do you see it?”

  He holds the picture up closer toward me. My eyes locked on hers. “Ronan, all I see is a giant responsibility that I wasn’t prepared for. What do you see that no one else does?”

  “A second chance. An opportunity to make all the wrongs right. God is trusting us to do the right thing. We can’t let him or Eevee down.”

  I wish I could see the world through the rose-colored glasses that Ronan does. I don’t think that will ever happen for me. “We need to go through that folder and figure out what else there is that we have no clue about.” I take in a deep breath and let out a sigh. Ronan holds on to the picture while I begin going through the file.

  We spent hours going through everything, most of it was financial stuff. Although Jian did have an additional packet on the judge, containing all his medical information. He documented Eevee’s care every step of the way. Seeing what my sister went through really made it all hit home. It seems he thought of everything except for how two confirmed bachelors and a priest are supposed to raise a child. Keeping her safe is not the problem. It’s everything else. We haven’t even figured out what happened in the church that day. I want revenge. I have to still deal with Savanna. I told her we are not legally married, and she should go home. She thinks she is my wife for life. I told her the only one I’m faithful to is myself. She doesn’t care. I now have Dax’s entire business to run on top of my own. For now, all of this will have to wait until the morning. Jian is coming by with a lot more stuff I’m going to have to take care of.

  Jian

  I knew it would be a shock for them. Hell, even though I knew the chances she took, it was still a shock for me. Eevee lived and died by her principals. I’ve accepted that. She was a part of my life that will stay with me forever.

  I worked through the night, setting everything up for Ciarán. I contacted them and moved our meeting to my hotel. No time like the present for them to meet Brigid. I have some ideas as to who killed Eevee. I will share that information with them and let them seek revenge, as long as Brigid remains safe. I’ve been so engrossed in my research that I never heard her come in the room.

  “Good morning, princess. Are you ready for a fun-filled day?”

  “What are we going to do?”

  “I have some people for you to meet and then maybe we can go to the park. Does that sound like fun?”

  “Maybe. Is Auntie Eve coming?” she asks but luckily my mom comes in the room with her impeccable timing.

  “Brigid, let’s finish our breakfast and see where the day leads us.” She runs off with her. It makes me sad that Eevee is going to miss so much of Brigid’s life. I was going to tell her that Eevee passed away, but my mom said it was something that should be done with all her uncles present. At first, I disagreed but after talking it through with her, I realized that even though I will always consider her my responsibility, I have to learn to share the responsibilities with her uncles.

  With Mom and Brigid gone all morning, I’m able to really dig into what happened. All of this hinges on Savanna. I need to present this all to the O’Hanlon’s and convince them that my revenge is much better than what I’m sure they would want. The ringing phone snaps me out of it. It’s the front desk alerting me that the visitors I told them about are on their way up. I quickly
let them in. Hopefully, Mom will stay out a little bit longer.

  “Hey, I’m sure after you read the entire file, you must have questions. Have a seat and let’s get started.” We all gather around the dining room table. The television is visible, so I stream from my laptop to the television.

  “Ciarán, Dax’s system is just like the one he set up for you. He was a creature of habit, so it made my life a little bit easier. The question is, now that I stripped it down, do you want to keep it or give the clients notice and disband? Keep in mind his clients are the underbelly of the underworld. As you know, once you get in, there is no getting out,” I remind him. His face shows very little emotion. He actually looks, for lack of a better word, done with it all.

  “Jian, what happens if I walk away? You know give them back all their files and get out?”

  “Well, you are actually in a good position. If you want to walk, you are giving them their files back. For your safety, you will have a copy that you will never use but they will know you have.”

  “Which ever I decide, which is best for Brigid’s safety?”

  “I have thought about that and I think either way you are protected, so she will be too.” I can see the wheels in his mind rolling. It’s so much for this man to absorb. I hope Eevee was right. She swore he could handle it.

  “Let me think about it.”

  “Okay. Now, about Brigid’s father. You read his file. You know he is a sleaze. I pulled all his medical information, so you could have it for the future.”