Page 42 of The Impossible

“Word is Shamus’s wife didn’t die as a casualty of war or anything like that. I know who handled it personally and he said Shamus only paid him after it was confirmed that his wife died from that bombing.”

Insurance fraud. But why would you need insurance money if you had money? Unless you didn’t have any money…

My blood was boiling hot, because if what he said was true, those motherfuckers tried to back door me, and worse, they were behind what happened today.

“Why are you telling us this?” Otto asked.

“Because you know like I know, my father should have been stepped down. But instead he’s taking lessons from a half dead motherfucker who’s fucking over his own blood. Nasty work like that tends to be contagious.”

I had heard enough and immediately felt sick to my stomach. None of us in this game were squeaky clean or saints, but Shamus O’Leary was the worst part of the game. He was the snake with no remorse, one who would rather swallow everything around him than let go.

“I’ll make sure you’re paid for the rest of your day,” I tossed over my shoulder before leaving the exact way I came. This was all types of fucked up and had just become so much more complicated.

We were back in the car when my brother finally said a word. “Regardless of what we just heard in there, it’s all speculation. You can’t move off speculation, because as far as you know, he could have simply told us all that just to get his father and O’Leary out of the way. We need proof, so I hate to say this, but you can’t react yet.”

Everything from his lips was true. I could protect my wife, but I couldn’t go shooting in the dark. Balance only existed in this world when those with any type of power didn’t abuse it.

She was so beautiful, so unknowing of all the bullshit that surrounded her. It all made me wanna keep her in my sight twenty-four-seven, but I knew that wasn’t possible. So instead, I had to find a way to make this world safe for her and our future kids. That started with clearing the entire O’Leary bloodline.

“My brother called me today,” she said out of nowhere, rolling her eyes.

“And how did that go?” I asked.

“Honestly it was weird, given we’ve never been particularly close. He apologized for being weird over the years and even claimed he wanted me to be in his kids’ lives.” Her expression alone let me know she knew that was some bullshit.

“How do you feel about it?”

“Is it crazy that I don’t? You don’t go from being the way he’s been to giving a fuck that fast. Then he said he heard about what happened yesterday and at the wedding and that he’s here for me. Whatever that means.” She held a piece of pineapple up from her bowl for me to accept.

What she said caught me off guard because the only people who knew what happened at the wedding were my people and her. “Wait, baby, you told somebody about that?”

“No. I was trying to forget it. I just thought you had.” She dropped the fruit into the bowl and looked at me, confused.

I shook my head. That was another reason I was about to clear those rotten motherfuckers out. I was on my feet in seconds, pulling her with me into the living room. When she was seated on the ugly, overly cushioned oat colored sofa she picked out, I sat down. “Look, baby, I need you to do me a favor.”

She squinted. “What’s wrong?”

“I need you to stay the fuck away from all of them.”

Confusion swept her features before she spoke. “You think my family had something to do with what happened?”

“I told you I would never lie to you and I’m not gonna start. I don’t think, I know, but I’m waiting on proof. I need you to trust me.”

“I do,” she responded instantly. “Wait, does that mean Paige is in danger too?”

“No, right now it’s like it’s something with you, but just in case, I’ll make some calls for her.”

She nodded.

“You’re not gonna ask me why or what I know?”

“No, because with you, I don’t have to know everything. I trust you with me.”

“Good because I’ma always do what’s best for you and the life we’re building. You promised me five kids, Nic.”

That somber look left her features immediately. She was all smiles. “No, I did not.”

“That’s what I heard. Don’t be tryna renege on me while you’re carrying number one.”