Ronan (Kings of New York #1)

Preface

PREFACE

Building the Table

Ronan

Ten years ago …

“It’s good to see ya,” Logan croons as I pull him into a hug.

“Aye, it’s been a while. Ya know ya don’t need to have business to say hello to yer oul uncle.”

“Aye, I know. In my defense, it’s hard to keep track of ya.”

I chuckle and give him a pat on the back. From the twinkle in his eyes, I know he’s full of shit. I get it. He has a full plate, as I do.

“I’m never too hard to find.”

The O’Briens are more like my kin by blood than by marriage. I have respect for their da and ma. Mick O’Brien, or Dougie as those close to him know him as is a real stand-up lad. Now that oul bag of dust he calls a da is another story.

I wouldn’t piss on Oland O’Brien if he was on fire and holding my last dollar to pay my way out of hell. I believe his son and grandsons have come to feel the same way. In fact, I’m sure that’s the case.

Logan is within his rights to step up and run the Black clan in Scotland. Being older than Joe Black’s boys, that honor has fallen to him. Finlay Black, Joe and Athena’s older brother never had children. Now that Ian Black is gone, Finlay is sure to hand things over to Logan when he steps down.

Joe Black has always had other plans for his brood. I think my sister has had a lot to do with that. Cassie knows who we McGowans are. It’s what has made her tough.

However, she has seen firsthand what being a McGowan means. The same goes for being recognized as a Black in Scotland. I have no doubts my nephews would be able to handle themselves on this side of our world.

Braxton, in particular, would do just fine. He has the temperament of a McGowan. However, all seven of Cass’s boys are living the life we’ve all wanted for them.

“It’s good to see you, Ronan,” Sam, or should I say LaSalle, says.

I grin. Now here is the reason Dougie and Logan haven’t told Oland to piss off. This kid has had a sharp mind from the first time I met him. His uncle has great hopes and dreams for him.

I have always gotten the feeling that my da, Ian Black, and Don Alfanzo Locatelli have been moving pieces around for a greater purpose. When my older brother Johan asked me to come meet with these two for da, I got that feeling once again. There is a bigger picture to be seen here.

“Aye, what about ye?” I reply.

“I’m good. I’m glad you could make it. I have a few friends I want to sit down with this evening before we get down to the business I have for the McGowan clan,” LaSalle says.

“Ya couldn’t schedule yer little party for another time instead of wasting me time? Do I look like I have time to sit around and bullshit with a bunch of lads?” I bite out with no real heat.

I’m annoyed more than anything. I wanted to be in and out. Maybe find a little time to visit the bird I hook up with from time to time when I’m in New York.

LaSalle smiles. “You know I wouldn’t waste your time. My guests will benefit us both. They play an intricate part in our plan.

“I believe they’re a mutual acquaintance. This meeting will offer you something in return for your presence.”

“Aye, ya best be sure of that. I know I taught the two of ye better.”

“What crawled up yer ass?” Logan chuckles.

“Ach, ya invite me here to this warehouse. Ya don’t have a pint of the black stuff or a steak for me, nor are there a pair of nex for me to shag in sight. This is a fool’s setup, it is. Why shouldn’t I have an attitude?”

They both laugh. I narrow my eyes at LaSalle. The kid has been around Dougie’s clan too much if he understood a word I said.

I didn’t slow down one bit for him. I shrug it off and have a seat at the table the two were sitting at when I arrived. I’ll admit, my interest has been piqued.

I want to know who these guests are and what they might have to offer me. I have come to know that LaSalle is good at finding out what others need and then delivering that need to them.

His gifts have built bridges for him. I like his style. He and Logan have grown before my eyes and I’m proud of the two. I wouldn’t tell them that, but I am.

The little cocky fuckers are making waves and earning respect. I’m always impressed to hear their names in the rooms I enter. I’ve seen the respect others have for them as well.

If I were younger, I’d be right on the front lines with them. I’m still in action, but not like they are. It’s been some time since my organization was at their level. The two are still building.

“Right on time,” LaSalle says, causing me to come back to the present and look to the door.

In walks Marlow Givens. One of the four horsemen. The only one who shows his face.

The horsemen are feared and respected. A Black organization running things out of Brooklyn, Queens, and Harlem. At least when it comes to their low-level business. Those in the know are aware that Givens and the horsemen have business well beyond the streets.

Those are the connections I’ve been interested in when it comes to the horsemen. However, it’s his business partners I’ve been looking to deal with. Marlow and I are still building that trust.

The problem is, I’m not here in the States enough for him to feel like he can have that trust he wants. I’m not about to carve out time to spend with one lad for a contract or two, no matter how much I want the business.

I see an opportunity, but I know I’m not going to jump through hoops to get what I want. I had planned to find another way. As Marlow comes to greet LaSalle and Logan, before taking a seat, I decide to observe.

In a room full of ruthless men, it’s always smart to be aware of the details. I have learned a lot in my thirty-three years. I’m no longer the naive little shit who followed behind his big sister when she came to the States. Silence isn’t a weakness.

It’s strength many fail to understand or utilize. I might be young at heart, but I’ve always been old of soul. I tap into wisdom when needed.

“What can I do for you young men?” Marlow says to LaSalle.

“I know you’ve heard the rumors. Everything you’ve heard is true. You and I have always done good business. In and outside of the world we choose to hold at arm’s length.

“We’ve made a lot of money together. I see this as an opportunity to make more,” LaSalle says.

“Um, I’m listening. How exactly do I fit into this … for lack of a better word, takeover?”

“Aye, many see it as a takeover. That’s not what it is at all.”

“You’re looking to neutralize anyone who’s not a part of your alliance. How is that not a takeover?”

“Because it’s power to all those who are a part. Think of it this way. If we could show all our friends how to establish and run clean and lucrative empires like ours, we’d have less collateral damage,” LaSalle says.

“Fewer of our people in body bags. I know that’s something you would be able to appreciate in your community. The law would be in our hands. We could make the changes everyone barks about, but never has the power to execute.

“The change needs to come from the head down. There is too much corruption worldwide to make a difference without cutting the serpent’s head off and choking off its veins.

“This is what we’re looking to accomplish. We each speak the language of our own. They will listen to us and we will listen to one another to make sure we all have a voice.

“Irish, Italian, Black, Greek, Russian, Asian, Middle Eastern—the Alliance will become just that. An alliance for the world,” Logan finishes.

“Organized crime united,” Marlow says as he looks between the two closely.

“Exactly,” they say in unison.

“And my cost of entry?”

“Those shipping contracts with the McGowans would be a start. It would be nice if the horsemen were known by face when it comes to the men in this room.

“And?” Marlow raises a brow.

LaSalle shrugs. “You can’t answer for Hughes. I thought he would be here.”

“We’re having a disagreement at the moment. I apologize for his absence.”

“I’m here. No need for anyone to speak for me.”

I look to the door to find another African American lad. He’s a few shades lighter than Marlow. He’s a fit lad and dressed sharp. His expensive shoes shine and his clothing looks to be tailor-made.

Marlow sighs, rolls his eyes, and folds his arms across his chest. “You wanted to know the other horsemen by face. Now you know two,” Marlow mumbles.

“You motherfucker,” the guy bites out.

“Sit down, Dayton,” Marlow replies.

“Please, Mr. Hughes, do have a seat,” LaSalle says.

Hughes takes off his long coat and tosses it over his forearm before he ambles closer to the table. He looks Marlow over then glances at me. I remain expressionless.

“Before the main point is lost, why should I offer the McGowans anything? What does that do for me?”

“We’re taking a page out of yer books,” Logan replies.

“We’re aware that you require your business partners to become liable by association in one way or another. This will serve the same purpose,” LaSalle adds.

“The shipping contracts are of mutual interest. LaSalle and I know Ronan is the man for the job when it comes to a reliable business partner.”

Marlow looks to me with a hard glare as if I set this all up. I had no idea this is what the lads were up to. I guess it’s no secret I’ve wanted those contracts.

“Unfortunately, those contracts aren’t mine to give. Philips owns the fleet. He hasn’t brought that venture into the fold yet.”

“Yes, Philips. He hasn’t been easy to get a sit-down with. Not even through Mairettie Industries,” LaSalle says.

“We have talked about this alliance agreement in the past. I’m assuming this is what you two are talking about,” Hughes says. “The cost of entry.”

“It is.”

“I’m also assuming I’m here because you have a request of me. What is it?”

“I need you to keep doing what you’re doing. Your political involvement will benefit us all when the time comes. I will help to continue to make sure doors open for you,” LaSalle replies.

Hughes snorts. “That wouldn’t be a problem if it weren’t the source of contention between me and my business associates.”

“We don’t have a problem with you moving deeper into the political arena. The problem is with the individuals you’re choosing to align with to do so.”

LaSalle tilts his head to the side as he looks at Hughes. “I have to agree. You will need to be more selective in the connections you permit. I have a list of individuals who will benefit your goals and ours.”

“If I didn’t believe in the cause, I would get up and leave. What do I look like, allowing your young ass to tell me who I should engage with?”

“You need to listen to someone. You complain about your boy not listening to you when you’re only trying to do what’s best for him. I wonder where he gets that from.”

“Marlow, you and I will have words when we leave here. This is not the time,” Hughes bites out.

Marlow snorts. “As I said, I can’t hand over the contracts. However, I will place you and Philips in the same room for the conversation to be had. The Alliance has piqued my interest. We’ll talk again.”

“I need some time to think things over,” Hughes says. “I’ll get back to you.”

“In that case, we’ll be in touch,” LaSalle says and stands.