Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 89145 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89145 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
“Whatever.” Finn huffed a chuckle and rubbed a hand over his scruffy jaw. “I reckon it’s Alfie’s turn to reveal more of himself now. I feel like talking about my kids has already given you an idea about me.”
He had a point. Given his role in the Sons of Munster, he had to come off as fairly intimidating at times. And definitely assertive. But behind the hierarchy and when everyone punched out at the end of the day, some of these men were brothers-in-arms who’d grown up together, and we were all practically the same age. When Kellan wasn’t referring to Finn as the boss, they were best friends.
“Well, if your wife’s itching for another daughter, I can assume being outnumbered by junior versions of the husband isn’t easy.” I felt bold enough to joke about that, at least.
He smirked. “You’re not wrong.” He walked over to Kellan and had a seat on the couch. “I have a few questions, if you don’t mind.”
I doubted it mattered if I did mind.
“Shoot.” I trailed over to sit down on the smaller couch. This was Trip’s spot. It was where he watched his documentaries and superheroes.
“You’re Catholic, I take it?”
That was his first question? Then again, I knew the church played a part in their lives.
“Yes.” I nodded and sat forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “Can’t say I’m very religious, though. I go when Ma guilts me into it.”
“Good woman. Everyone who’s an official Son attends Mass on Sundays,” he said. “It’s not a requirement, but people know it’s what I like to see. It’s part of my quest to bring back order and tradition to the syndicate.”
Fair enough.
“I’ve told Finn you’re not lookin’ to get initiated,” Kellan mentioned.
Okay, good. “Probably for the best,” I said politely. “I’m in a position where I can’t and won’t take too many risks.”
“We’ll get back to that later,” Finn said. “What’re you looking for? You’ve been working for Kellan for three or four years?”
“Almost four,” Kellan confirmed.
I took a breath, unsure if this was a job interview or Finn interrogating me to see if I posed a threat. Maybe a combination of both.
“When I was married, I couldn’t do a whole lot,” I admitted. “I was lying enough as it was, but…I’m single now, so…” I shrugged. “I don’t know what I’m looking for, to be honest. I just know I wouldn’t mind a bit more responsibility.”
Finn nodded slowly, thinking. His gaze shifted to the coffee table, where he eyed our crap bowl. One of my cousins’ kids had made it for me, and Ellie and I kept it filled with shit we were too lazy to tidy up. Hair ties, nail clippers, change, a couple erasers and crayons, and two remotes.
“I know where your head’s at, mate,” Kellan said quietly. “Before you go there, maybe we should discuss the initiation. Because I think Alfie’s idea of it is fucked up.”
I furrowed my brow.
Finn chuckled under his breath. “So you said earlier.” He looked my way. “This isn’t the Cosa Nostra. We have our own code of conduct, and it’s both more lenient and stricter than whatever the fuck the Italians do. We’re about family. We do lie to our loved ones, but there’s no fuckin’ hazing to join. These days, you don’t gotta ice someone in order for us to know you’re with us.” He paused. “You’re with us until we find out you’re not, and then we deal with the problem.”
Shit suddenly got real.
“That’s…honest.” I cleared my throat.
He smiled. “Is it? What have I said, specifically? My hands are clean.”
He hadn’t said a damn thing, but he couldn’t be clearer either. Finnegan O’Shea wasn’t a rookie. Having dealt with Kellan’s work for a few years now, I knew Finn could count the people he trusted on one hand, and he wouldn’t be so open here today if it weren’t for the fact that Kellan had vouched for me.
So…my guess, based on what Finn had said…? The Sons didn’t mind giving someone a shot. But if that man failed and betrayed the syndicate, his mother was about to cry at a funeral.
“What I will say,” he went on, “is that you can’t have it both ways. You’re either in or you’re out. And that’s not an offer—yet. But if you want more responsibility—if you want Ford to bring you outta hiding—you have to prove yourself, and you have to work toward becoming a Son.”
Kellan leaned forward a bit. “I respect you, Alfie, and we’ve known each other a long time. It’s why I’m telling you that we’re looking into your past. And if shit checks out, we hope you join us.”
Jesus Christ. I supposed I shouldn’t be surprised they were doing their own research.
Finn wasn’t done either. “As my cousin, you can secure a spot both in the syndicate and the family. It’s something I know Liam will agree with. I’m seeing him next week, and I will tell him about you.”