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)
“You get your fingers dirty, not the brain. You’ll be close to us, and we don’t belong in prison.”
Evidently, I was riding the nepotism train all the way up to management.
I’d felt the shift immediately on Tuesday when Kellan had told me everything I’d said had checked out.
I was gonna be a Son one day.
“Welcome to the brotherhood, mate.”
It filled me with both elation and trepidation. I didn’t know if I was making the right move, but I couldn’t imagine going back either. Back meant rotting away at home and obsessing over West fucking his new man.
I knew they were fucking. He’d hit it off with that guy. I just knew it.
On Friday, Kellan and Finn showed up at my house with three other dudes and a lot of security equipment.
In the meantime, we had work to do, so we headed over to Mick’s for lunch, where we discussed new warehouses and the shipments coming in next week and the one after.
A guy could get used to this. Irish stew, an empty pub, a pint or two, and shop talk I could finally be a part of.
“It depends if you want them in Camden or on this side of the river,” I said.
“Which, in turn, depends on the merchandise and the amount,” Kellan replied. “Not to mention the laws. We go where the laws aren’t as strict.”
That made sense, although for what the Sons had coming into the city on a weekly basis, we weren’t talking minor felonies, regardless of the state.
“With that said, we have more people on the inside in Pennsylvania,” Finn said. “Both beat cops and detectives.”
“DA and lawyers too,” Kellan added.
I nodded and made a vague note in my phone. I’d ask Red Mikey to look into more locations, seeing as we didn’t wanna use the same warehouses frequently enough to create a pattern.
Mick came over with more bread for the table, and he even set an ashtray in the center.
He knew these guys.
Once Mick had left, Finn cleared his throat and gathered up more stew on his spoon. “One thing, Alfie. Trusting you and letting you in so quickly means we’re taking a risk. I hope I don’t have to tell you that if you fuck us over, it’s not just you we’re coming for. Am I making myself clear?”
Clearer than crystal.
Fucking hell.
But I got it. They had a lot on the line and their own families to protect.
“I hear you.” I nodded with a dip of my chin.
“Good,” he said. “I’m not planning on ever reminding you, because truth be told, I’m happy to have you on board. Since Liam’s flying down tonight, I told Emilia what’s goin’ on, and she’s excited to meet you. You can never have too much family.”
First a threat, then a welcome to the family.
I had to grin.
He was a straight shooter. Those kinds of people could hurt you with a single word, but you always knew where you had them. I preferred that. No bullshit.
“I’m starting to agree with you,” I admitted. “I know I’ve said I wasn’t looking to expand my family or whatever, but it’s been a good week. I hope Liam won’t go apeshit. Tell him I have no expectations.”
I truly fucking didn’t. Partly because I felt like I’d lucked out with Finn—and Kellan—already. Kellan had mentioned that Shan wanted to see more of me too. And my kids.
“He won’t,” Finn replied. “Just don’t be surprised if Nessa reaches out on her own. If you’re on social media, she’ll target you there. She can get…overzealous.”
Kellan chuckled. “One brother goes to prison, another one appears.”
Finn sucked his teeth and bit into a piece of bread. “Don’t get me in a pissy mood by discussing Alec.”
“Sore topic?” I guessed.
“You can say that,” Finn grumbled. “I was in his shoes once. That’s years you don’t get back. Stupid fuckin’ punk. Liam and I warned him—we all did. Did he listen? Fuck no.”
“Neither did you at that age,” Kellan told him before shifting his gaze my way. “Speaking of social media. No Sons-related shit in public. If you one day add a syndicate tribute to your ink collection, make sure it’s covered when you post pictures. The Feds will know who you are soon enough—no need to do their job for them by confirming your affiliations.”
“Or put an extra target on your back for our threats,” Finn added. “Right now, things are peaceful, but we have eyes on a freelancing gang outta Miami looking to expand their turf, and when they realize they won’t be able to do that in New York, they might try here.”
“That won’t be a problem,” I assured. “I have an Instagram account that I keep locked, and I never post anything that can reveal sensitive information—including metadata. It’s mostly so West and I can follow what the kids are up to when it’s not our week.”