Page 18 of Dark Alliance
“Potentially.” I shrug. “But I’ve got this. Don’t worry.” I never lose.
At Finn’s grimace, I shove down the annoyance tickling the back of my throat.
Finn doesn’t know me or what I’m capable of. People don’t expect me to be a threat because I’m not built like Brody, who has some nice bulk. I’m lean, toned, and tall. I’m the guy that helps sell the suit, not the guy you cross the street to avoid. When I can, I go for the negotiation before the gun.
Finn’s a scarier version of my little brother. A big, strong, shoot first, ask questions later type. I’ve never seen him in anything but head-to-toe black tactical gear, like he’s preparing for war.
Sometimes that strategy works. However, I’ve often found that a little finesse—when used correctly—goes a long way.
“I paid off one of the housekeepers to plant cameras all around the mansion. We have eyes and ears inside. I’ll find their weakness and have an alliance by the end of next week.” I stuff my hands in my pockets. As irritating as I find his lack offaith, I know I’ve got this in the bag. Finn just needs to let me handle this. “Or we the Roguilins can just continue stealing your shipments. That’s option number two.”
Finn narrows his eyes, stilling as he contemplates his only choice.
The family resemblance between Declan and me is obvious, so I shut up and wait for Finn to consider my words. We both know I’m right.
I can practically hear his wheels grinding as my patience thins.
Finally, he nods. “The surveillance was spot-on. Keep me posted.”
“Will do.”
It’s stifling, taking someone’s orders.
As Declan Gallagher’s eldest son, I did my father’s bidding in LA, though he gave me some leeway regarding how to implement orders.
For our alliance with the Riccis, as well as the one between Finn and Declan, to work, following Finn’s commands is important.
Doesn’t make me hate this any less.
I escape Finn’s suffocating control and return to my temporary home, a one-bed, two-bath Tribeca apartment that’s nice but nothing special. I just need a spot to crash that’s not under Finn’s thumb, and he was generous enough to lend me the place while I’m in the city. Point for him over my own father, I’ll say that much.
Though being closer to Brody might be nice, he’s too lovey with his girl, and most of the lower-ranked Irish Kings don’t really trust me. Better to avoid their nasty glares when I’m trying to relax.
Unfortunately, no relaxation will come until after therealconversation.
As soon as I sit down on the couch, my phone buzzes. I accept the call after the first ring. “Dad.”
“Do you have the diamond?”
I barely smother a snort. If my father ever started a conversation with “hello,” I think I’d faint. “Yeah, I took out the whole clan. Made a run for it with the safe tucked under an arm.”
“Don’t get smart with me, Connor. I’m working.” A hiss travels through the speaker as he takes a drag of his cigar.
“So am I.” I kick my feet up on the coffee table and stare up at the ceiling. “Surveillance is set up. I did some recon inside the estate. I’ll know where the diamond is in a few days.”
“Grab it fast and get home, Connor. The Bratva’s moving faster. They’re pissed about Kruschev.”
If you ask anyone in the mafia world, Brody or I fired the gun that ended Andrei Kruschev in New Orleans. In reality, he got hit with a freaky, defunct Mardi Gras float—does anyone really like clowns?—and Trinity Gallagher had more to do with his demise than either of us Gallagher brothers.
Regardless, the Russians still hate us for his death.
My father reluctantly agreed to a temporary truce with the Irish Kings so we could join forces with the Riccis to take down the Roguilins. Every agreement Declan’s ever penned his name to has come at a price.
This is just his latest.
He wants me to steal the Riccis’ most priceless family heirloom—without telling Finn, of course—to frame the Bratva and pit the Italians and Russians against each other. We’ll have the money, the alliance, and the other families will hate each other. Win-win-win.
I’m not some phantom jewel thief. My father’s insistence that I snag the diamond to ensure our survival always infuses me with red-hot rage.
