Chapter 41

Tag

On a list of worst-case scenarios, us being pegged for the assassination of one of Mattie McGuire's sons is at the fucking top. And even though Aiden's beef with Declan was about the two of them fucking the same woman, that's not how it will play out in the streets.

"Where is he now?" I ask, unsure whether I want to ensure he's not critically harmed or kill him myself.

"Sean said he was caught on the cameras coming back over the bridge, but he's not sure."

That's something. Because even though I didn't want this and would never condone it, I also won't let the McGuires get their hands on him either.

"And Sean's got the MC out looking for him?"

Bryan nods. "All hands on deck."

"And what of Siobhan?"

"I haven't heard anything about her."

My mind is buzzing with all the ways this is going to bite us in the ass. "Okay, I need to call Mattie."

"And say what?" Finn asks. "Either you ordered his son killed, which negates the truce, or you lost control of your captain and you're weak and he was right to try to take you out."

I rub a strong hand over my face and curse—and today started out so well.

Laine places a hand on my shoulder. "What about Samantha McGuire? You said she's shrewd and business minded. Maybe you can at least voice your case before accusations start flying and chaos erupts in the streets."

"She's Declan's mother," Bryan says. "I doubt she'll be sympathetic to our situation."

"Likely not," I say, "but she won't be as unhinged as Mattie. He'll make this not only about losing his son but also an ego-trip."

The office is quiet around me as I think. It's moments like these—dealing with the fallout from personal entanglements that bleed into business—that test my resolve the most.

Samantha McGuire. Maybe Laine's right and I can explain the situation before it spirals out of control.

I pick up my phone and scroll through the contacts list until I find her number. The line rings, once…twice…a third time…

Finally, there's a click, and the line opens. "Tag, you have a lot of nerve calling me right now."

"Samantha," I start, keeping my tone even, "I just heard there's been an incident involving Declan and Aiden, and I need you to know it had nothing to do with me or the Quinn organization. I'm shocked and I'm desperately hoping the rumor isn't true and Declan is still with us."

There's a pause on the line, a silence that stretches well beyond being uncomfortable. "He is not. My husband is there now, and Dec is dead."

I curse and drop my head. "You have my sincerest condolences."

"Well, your words won't bring my son back."

"No, they won't. I only meant to explain that this wasn't business. This wasn't sanctioned by me or the organization. It was a personal matter between the two of them and the betrayal of a woman."

"A woman?"

"Aye. Aiden and Siobhan Daley have been an item for some time. Siobhan grew up with my family and has been an infiltrator for us for years. We recently found out she's been involved with Declan, too. It appears she's been working both sides and both men."

There's a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line. "Declan is dead because of a woman?"

"I'm afraid so. We believed her to be one of ours, but clearly, she had her own agenda."

The line is silent again for a long while. "This is a fucking mess, Tag."

"Agreed."

"And what of this Siobhan Daley?"

"I cut her out the night of the charity fight. She's no longer one of ours. Her duplicity has caused enough damage."

Samantha sighs on the other end of the line. "I can't say what will happen next, but I appreciate knowing the truth."

"Again, I am deeply sorry for loss."

When the line goes dead, I set the phone down. "I want to know the moment Aiden is found, and if Siobhan ever has the nerve to come to our side of the river, I want her picked up and taken straight to the holding cell at the clubhouse."

"Got it." Bryan turns and is about to leave when he stops and turns back. "And congrats, by the way, big brother. That ring looks mighty nice on your finger, Laine. I wish the two of you nothing but the best."

I abandon the chaos of the moment and stand to take Laine in my arms. Holding her and knowing that our future will be spent together gives me the strength and peace of mind to face whatever clusterfuck is rising up to kick us in the teeth.

"Thank you, Bryan. Despite everything that's happening right now, we're very happy."