Page 40 of The Brat: Prequel

Okay, so I didn’t tell him everything.

“Kirkland may have mentioned Maxim earlier.”

“Lyanov?” Aidan straightens up. Just like Star did when I dropped Max’s name. That’s just bizarre. “He asked about Lyanov?” He doesn’t wait for an answer. “So, they want him close. Interesting.”

“I don’t understand why they wouldn’t want Shay too. They haven’t approached him. I know because he’s never heard of them either.”

“He’s different. His links are entrenched to us and his future hinges on the path we clear. If we fail, he’s of no interest to them. If he succeeds… watch them invite him into the circle.”

“Shay said that they’re a bunch of pervs. Which, from the sounds of what Kirkland said to me, seems right. Why would anyone want to join?”

Aidan barks out a laugh. “The Veronians consist of the most disgusting pieces of shit the country has to offer. And I’m saying that. A mobster. The son of a mobster. The grandson of a mobster. My links are filthy. Theirs are pristine and loaded with sin for all that.

“Those sons of bitches run the country, Victoria. I wish that weren’t the case, but it’s the truth. You know what we can do, and it’s nothing in comparison to them. We’re one family of rich, powerful men. They’re generations of rich, powerful men working with one aim in mind—to further the Veronian cause.

“The New World Sparrows were a collective. They had their hands in global matters and used those links to further personal wealth. The Veronians care only about US interests.” He grimaces. “And personal wealth.”

“Like how the United Brotherhood mostly dabbled in European interests?”

“Precisely. A whisper from a Veronian can make or break a politician’s career, can start a war or finish it. Can appoint a Supreme Court judge or end the life of another head of state. Because the president and this country’s government are theirs to puppet. You need to leave them well alone.”

I gape at him. “But if they’re so powerful, then couldn’t they get Shay into office?”

“Leave that with us.”

“Uncle Aidan, I could help⁠—”

“No. Listen, this is for the big boys, Victoria, and even we are wary around this group. To earn the enmity of one is to earn the enmity of them all.”

“Shay needs⁠—”

“We’re the ones who’ll help Shay. Not you. Honey, this isn’t a playground you’re walking onto. This isn’t a game. People can die, YOU could die, and you don’t get more lives like in Red Mist.”

“Uncle Aidan,” I protest. “Don’t treat me like a child!”

“But you are. To me. You are an O’Donnelly and even then, that hasn’t been enough to keep you safe. I already know you’ve been hiding things from us. That’s why they brought up Lyanov, isn’t it? Did he punish someone for you? Again?”

I gnaw on my bottom lip. “Maybe.”

“Who?”

My voice is hoarse when I admit, “Kirkland’s nephew.”

A slow hiss escapes him. “I heard about that car crash.”

“Ronan was driving under the influence,” I rush to add. “They can’t suspect anyone of foul play.”

“He won’t walk on his own for years. Why did Lyanov target him?”

I stare at the floor, wishing a hole would appear that’d swallow me up. “Sometimes, they let you say no if you say yes to something first.”

“They being boys?” At my nod, he asks, “Did Ronan hurt you?”

“I’m fine.”

“That doesn’t answer my question. You didn’t tell Lyanov everything. This Kirkland cunt would be in pieces if you had.”

“He can’t kill everyone who⁠—”