Page 112 of Dirty Legacy

“It’s done with the Gallaghers. I spoke with Sinead Gallagher an hour ago.”

Declan sinks down into his chair and studies me. “Your cousin’s dead. How’s your father?”

“Still waiting to hear.”

“I’ll make some calls. He’ll get the best care possible.”

“I appreciate that.” I grip the arms of the chair to steady myself. “Sinead needs a husband. That’s the last piece we got left.”

“Don’t worry about her. I’ll find someone.”

“Pick a good man. Actually, no, pick a strong man. Not sure there are many husbands in the world who can handle her.”

Declan snorts a soft laugh and looks over my shoulder. “I know how that feels.”

I rub my face with both hands. “Are we calling this even?”

“No, we aren’t. There will be further consequences.”

“That’s what Sinead said.”

“And you deserve it. Leaving her at the altar like that. Fucking up all our plans and starting a war. You’ll clean it up, Connor.”

“I will,” I say, meaning it.

“Welcome back to the family then.” Declan stands and offers me his hand.

I shake it. “I appreciate that. Now, I should get to the hospital.”

“You want anything? Coffee? A shower?”

“I’m good.”

“You’re definitely not.”

“Better than my dad.”

He dips his chin, real concern in his eyes, and raises it toward the door. “You should get moving then.”

The stink of antiseptic is everywhere.

Hospitals feel so worn out: the walls scuffed and marked, the floors scratched and marred. It’s like all the suffering that moves through this place is left burned into the wood and the plastic, and no amount of scrubbing cleans it out.

I reach the waiting room, push the door open, and find my family sitting together at the far side, huddled around Danielle like they’re trying to protect her.

Strange, how these women are deeply in my life. I don’t know how I deserve them. Rowan, her strength, her deep well of feelings; she’s the moral compass I need. Angie with her need to help other people. And even Danielle, as annoying as she can be, she’s still my father’s partner and it looks like she’s crumbling under the pressure of maybe losing him.

“Connor.” Angie notices me first and comes hurrying over. I open my arms and she throws herself against me. I hug her hard, holding her warm body, breathing in her smell and some of the hurt and the ache and anxiety fades. That’s how it is when she’s around. Everything bad becomes better.

“Any word?”

“Still nothing.” She breathes in deep and looks up. “I don’t know if that’s good or bad.”

“How are they doing?”

“Danielle’s a mess. Rowan’s trying to be strong.” She checks over her shoulder. “I think they need you.”

“I’m sorry it took me so long, but I’m back now.”