The Lies That Bind by Marie Scully

Author:Marie Scully [Scully, Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781640346383
Publisher: Crave Publishing
Published: 2022-11-28T16:00:00+00:00

ALEX

I must admit this event is impressive. Not everyone could invite this many made men and their families and not have fights break out. Maybe the women and children held some back. Either way, the sooner I conclude my business here, the sooner I can get the hell out.

“Alex, I don’t like this; we’re too outnumbered for my liking,” Mitch mutters, glancing around the room.

“Is that a lack of faith in our ability I hear?” I ask.

“No, boss, just doing the math.”

“Me too. The number I’m coming up with is two million. That’s what this deal will make us in a short time. Plus, we’ve come up against worse odds. Remember Tulsa?”

“That was an act of God.”

“Worst case, we invoke God once more,” I state. “Let’s get a drink; it may calm your nerves.”

“Womanly nerves,” Danilov bates Mitch.

“Fuck you. I’m just pointing out that we may need a couple more exit strategies.”

“We already have three. For once, let’s hope this plan just works.”

“Ha, where’s the fun in that?” Danilov asks, heading to the bar.

Mitch stands by my side for another moment until I nod in the bar’s direction. Mitch is correct—we are greatly outnumbered. From all accounts, this is Connor’s event of the year, and he despises violence this day.

While Mitch and Danilov get their much-needed drinks, I decide to take a look around. Outside, tables and chairs are being set up. Kids run around, moving from the jumpy house to the large playground. Men and women are separated into their own groups. As much as Connor wants this event to not be about business, that doesn’t mean business isn’t happening.

Moving back inside the house, I wander, taking notes.

“Who are you?” a girl’s voice asks behind me. “You’re new,” she observes.

Turning around, my lips part, but no words come out. This child calls to me. It’s as if someone sent an electric shock through my body. She reminds me of Claire, but that can’t be. It’s impossible. She has dark hair like Claire’s, a small button nose, and even at a young age she steps toward me with confidence that only comes from strength. Her eyes…my eyes look at me with interest.

“Who are you?” the child asks again.

Finding my voice, I answer. “My name is Alex. What’s yours?”

She begins to respond, but just before she voices her name, her eyes grow wide, looking over my shoulder. “Uncle Kevin,” she cries, running past me.

My gaze follows her. She jumps into her uncle’s arms—Elijah’s arms. His appearance had changed but his glare I would know anywhere. Elijah’s eyes meet mine. He doesn’t look surprised to see me. He’s with Connor and his men—if I were a betting man, I would guess discussing our deal.

“Alex. We were just talking about you,” Connor says, stepping forward. “I see you’ve met Becca. She’s Kevin’s niece.”

For a moment, Elijah appears to want to bash Connor’s skull in for saying her name.

“Becca. Short for Rebecca, I assume,” I say, and the child nods.

Meeting Elijah’s eyes, I know if Connor and his men weren’t here, he would be at my throat.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.