Chapter 49

Chapter Forty-Nine

Oliver

I t's been a few days since Fiona shot Ava. Viktor hasn't left Ava's side, and I don't blame him. As tough as Ava tries to be, I know she's scared. She would never admit it, but I have gotten to know her well. She won't rest easy until all of this is put behind her, or she leaves.

I told Viktor I would initially focus on finding out how the hell Fiona got inside the house. We have our top men guarding the house, so how did she manage it?

I'm at the guardhouse, reviewing every frame in the house. At first glance, nothing seems out of place. But a second look reveals Fiona entering the house from the hidden door at the back of the property. Only a handful of men know about that door, and you need a code to open it. This leads me to look into the log of everyone who entered a code that day. Only one code was used, mine. I know I didn't let her in. I dial Angus, and he takes a few rings to answer.

"What's up?"

"Where are you?"

"About ten minutes from the main house."

"I'm in the guardhouse. I need you to come to the main office. I don't want anyone alarmed that you're coming to see me."

"You have a lead."

"I do," I answer, even though I know it wasn't a question.

"I'm not alone."

"Who's with you?"

"Ray."

"Bring him with you. It might take the three of us."

"Aye. We'll be there soon."

"Thanks." I end the call.

I probably should call Viktor and give him an update, but I don't need him blowing a gasket. I need to investigate under the radar. If the person is here, the last thing we need is to alert them to the fact we know they're not loyal to Viktor. I'll wait until I know who it is before looping Viktor in. Ten minutes later, Angus and Ray enter the office.

"Lad," Angus remarks.

"Close the door," I tell him.

"Aye."

"Hey, Ray."

"What's up?" he says.

I stand from the desk and walk over to the couch where we can all sit.

"What did you find?" Angus asks.

"Fiona came into the house using the hidden door."

"Viktor's office?"

"No, the hidden door," I emphasize. Angus and Ray both sit up, realizing the same thing I did earlier.

"How?" Ray asks.

"Someone gave her my code."

"Who did you give your code to?" Angus asks, confused.

"No one. But two men were with me the last time I entered the house using that door."

"Who?"

"Ben and Gus," I say.

"I see," Angus comments slowly.

"Exactly. Until now, I didn't make anything of their constant request for more shifts. I thought they just needed the money."

"Do you think they're both in on it?"

"I don't know, but I guess we'll find out. Let's put them in the cellar and see who breaks first," I order.

Thirty minutes later, we're in the cellar with Gus and Ben tied to chairs. They're sitting fifteen feet apart and facing the stairs where Viktor will come from. I see fear leaking from their pores. They know the likelihood of coming out alive is practically nonexistent. Still, that doesn't mean they won't try like hell to save their skin.

"I swear, Oliver. I don't know what you're talking about. I would never betray Viktor," Ben practically cries.

"Bullshit. I saw you talking to Bobby," Gus says, looking at him.

"That's a lie. You're the one fucking his daughter," Ben yells back.

"Enough." I hear from behind me. I turn just as Viktor approaches me. "Anything?" he asks me.

"Nothing. They keep repeating themselves, but Angus should be here any minute. He's combing through their finances."

"Viktor, I swear I don't know what they're talking about. I didn't betray you. I'm loyal to the clan," Gus pleads.

"I don't doubt you're loyal to the clan. The question is, who are you loyal to? Are you loyal to my father, or are you loyal to me?" As the question falls from Viktor's mouth, I catch a glimpse of fear in Ben's eyes.

"Ceannard." Viktor turns as Angus reaches us.

"Talk," Viktor orders. He begins to unbutton his sleeves and fold up the arms of his shirt. We all know what's coming next. Angus hands Viktor a folder. Viktor looks between the pages and the two men sitting in front of us. He then hands over the folder to me. The second I see the pages, it's clear that Ben is working for Bobby. There are wire transfers from Bobby's personal account. Viktor and I know the account very well, since I was the one who set it up years ago. Viktor takes his gun from behind his back and walks straight to Ben.

"The thing about traitors is that they always think they can get away with everything and anything. They think they can hide well. But even the smallest detail can give you away. You nearly cost Ava her life."

"Viktor, I swear I didn't have a choice. He made me do it. He was going to kill my family," Ben says, begging for his life. But I'm looking at Viktor. He's filled with rage, and he's not a forgiving man. Besides, if he doesn't pull the trigger, I will. "You should have come to me." The last word is out of his mouth, and the bullet is out of his nine-millimeter. He turns to Gus. "Your bank statement says you received a payment from Bobby."

"Impossible. I've never met the man," Gus claims.

Viktor holds the gun against Gus' temple.

"He isn't lying, Ceannard."

Viktor takes the gun off Gus and looks at Angus, standing beside him.

"Explain."

"The wire transfer happened the day after Ms. O'Brien was attacked. Bobby must have been trying to put the blame on someone else. Gus is the patsy."

"Are you certain?"

I can't think of another explanation." Angus shrugs.

"What now?" I ask Viktor.

"Bobby has an agenda. The question is, what? Is this him or my father? I want a close eye on him."

"I say let's put a bullet in his head," I tell Viktor.

"Not yet. I want to know what his plan is. Cut him loose." Viktor points at Gus. "The men should know what happens when you cross me," he says, already walking to the stairs.

"Ceannard, Oliver, I need a word." Viktor stops walking, and we all look at each other. "In private," adds Angus.

"Ray, take Gus to the guardhouse, get him cleaned up, and back to work," I order. Angus follows, then returns a second later.

"What is it?" Viktor asks.

"Gus was in on it," Angus says.

"Then why the fuck is he walking away alive?" Viktor barks.

"Because now we know he's a traitor. I can work with that," I say before Angus speaks. Viktor stays silent for a second.

"I want them all to fucking burn alive. Every single person who dares to cross me."

"You have my word," I promise as he heads to the stairs again.

"See to it." He leaves me with Angus.

"What did you have in mind, lad?"

"Follow his trail, and we might just learn what Bobby and my father's move is. Let Gus think we believe he's loyal to us, and when the moment comes, as Viktor said, burn them all alive."

"Aye," Angus says as I start heading for the stairs.

I know it's risky to have Gus out in the open, knowing he has betrayed us. But this is the first time we have a leg up. I'll use whatever is at my disposal to end this. I'll protect my family even from the blood running through my veins. Because Viktor and Ava are my family. I'll see no harm come to them. They have suffered enough. They deserve to be happy. Dougal Manarch, Cillian McIntyre, and Fiona McIntyre will pay for everything they have done.