Chapter 19 Kieran
nineteen
Kieran
My phone rings, breaking the moment that I'm trying to create with Mia, which makes my jaw clench.
When I pull it out, though, I see Henry's name, making my chest tighten, knowing I'm going to have to leave Mia behind.
I'm halfway down the hall when I remember I had Imogen pick out a few books for Mia.
I turn back around, taking large strides toward the bedroom. Thankfully, she hasn't disappeared into the bathroom yet, when I quickly blurt out, "Oh, by the way. I had one of my staff members bring in a few romance books, she put them on your nightstand."
She doesn't say much except, "Okay" in a breathy tone. Knowing I need to go, I can't help but smile to myself as I leave to call Henry back. I dial his number the moment I enter my office, closing the door.
"Kieran," Henry says, picking up the phone.
"What do you have for me?"
"Daniel has heard that the Carrino family is trying to move into our territory," he says with no fanfare.
"Shit. What do you mean moving into our territory?"
"Daniel reported—"
I interrupt him. "You know what? Bring him here. I want to hear what he has to say in person."
"Good idea. I have Liam, too."
"Bring him."
"Got it," he says, hanging up. I sit down at my computer, turning it on, and pulling up the information for our legitimate business. Our family owns an art gallery that we use to help move our illegitimate goods, but we also sell real art, too.
I open up my email, and let out a sigh because Aidan, the one who runs my art galleries, has been busy. I mean, it's great because he's sold so many pieces, and has a lot of new artists coming in, but I don't want to deal with this. No, I would rather just spend all of my days inside Mia.
While I wait for Henry, Daniel, and Liam, I begin going through the paperwork Aidan has sent me.
Looking at one of the emails in my inbox, I see it's an inquiry about using the gallery for a gala from none other than Mikhail.
I'm shocked because usually he tries to keep his business away from me.
Besides, he has his own club. Why would he want to use the gallery?
So many questions run through my mind when Henry walks in the door, saving me from spiraling about Mikhail.
"Hey, Kieran," Henry says, walking into my office.
I look up from my computer when all three of them walk in. "Close the door."
As they settle, I look over at Daniel who has the information about the Carrino family. "What do you have for me?"
"I'd been asking around at the docks about our warehouse, when someone let it slip that Elio, one of Carrino's sons, was trying to pay the harbor master off. To get a shipment in without anyone knowing."
"Were they successful?" I ask. Right now this is a rumor, and I work in facts.
He shrugs his shoulders and I move to Liam. "What have you heard about the Bratva?"
"Word in the club is that Mikhail knows Mia is back in town, and that Ella wants to see her," he states, making me lift my brow.
"What about the warehouse does he know anything about it?"
"It doesn't seem like it. They've been focused on the kinkier side of Midnight Blue. There is an auction next month."
I nod at what he has to say. My brain is moving in overdrive. The auction must be why he wants to use the art gallery. Grabbing my phone, I call Mikhail.
"Kieran. I guess you've seen my request for the art gallery?" his voice grumbles over the phone.
"What do you want it for?"
"Ella's birthday," he clips.
"What do you know about my warehouse being destroyed?"
"Nothing. It was not Bratva. But I have heard you have one of my brothers in your custody."
He doesn't pose it as a question.
I don't deny it, but I'm not giving him any answers either. There is a reason that Mia is scared of him, and I'm not letting it or him touch her. She's mine.
"You can have the gallery for Ella's birthday," I say instead.
"Thank you. And don't be a stranger, we would love to see you and your wife at the party," he smoothly says before hanging up.
Fuck, I didn't want him to know that I was married to Mia, but I knew I couldn't keep it a secret for long, but since I haven't announced it, that gives me pause.
I put my phone down and turn to the men sitting in my office after making a few decisions.
"We need to talk with the harbor master.
" Then my gaze goes to Liam, my eyes narrowing on him.
I'm not sure if he's the one slipping information, but I don't think so.
I'm going to keep an eye on him, though.
"I need you out on the street. Just keep an eye on the Bratva. I don't want any surprises."
"Got it, boss," Liam says as he stands up to leave.
The rest of us stand to leave, too, and in hopes to get them on board I mutter, "Let’s go find the harbor master."
"He should be in his office," Daniel pipes up.
A grin spreads across my face, because tonight we are going to get some answers.
Twenty minutes later, we're pulling up at the harbor and my adrenaline is pumping, knowing that anything could happen.
Will he cave right away?
Will he put up a fight?
It’s time to get some answers. All three of us form a united front, walking into the office, slamming the door against the wall.
"Hello, Mr. Washington," I casually greet him, but I can see he's on edge. His eyes dart around the room and I can tell that he's trying to figure out how he can escape but there is nowhere to go.
Daniel and Henry stay behind me, blocking the doorway, so that way no one can come in or go out. Placing my hands on the top of his desk, I lean over giving him a grin, and I know that this one probably looks psychotic, unlike the one I give my wife. "We have a few things to discuss."
"What could that be?" he asks, trying to sound strong, but his tone gives him away—he's scared.
"I heard that you're trying to give away a few of my harbor spots?"
The man shakes his head. "No. I wouldn't do that."
I slam my hand against the desk making him jump. My jaw clenches as I grit out, "That's not what some of your employees are telling my men."
He shakes his head, sputtering, "I don't know what they're talking about."
I throw my hand out, wrapping it around his throat. I don't reply to him, I just stare deep into his eyes, slowly squeezing his throat.
Anger boils up inside me the more I stare at him because this man is fucking with my business. And if he's fucking with my business, then that means he's fucking with my family. If I'm here taking care of this shit, then I'm not at home taking care of my wife.
"Kieran," Henry warns, and I release his throat. He gasps for air.
Standing up, I smooth out my shirt and try to calm myself. When I feel a little bit more under control, I look back over at Mr. Washington. "Now, let’s start again. Why are you trying to give away some of my docks within the harbor?"
"A Mr. Carrino came to me and threatened to kill my family if I didn't do business with them," he blurts out.
"Now we are getting somewhere," I tell him, then look over at Henry and Daniel. They both nod, letting me know that was what their informants had said, too. Focusing back on him, I adjust my cuff links. "Now tell me who came to see you and exactly what they said."
Fifteen minutes later and we're walking out of the office. All of the information that was thrown at me has the wheels in my head turning on how I'm going to deal with this. I have a few ideas, but since we're having breakfast with my parents in the morning, I'll run it past Da, see what he thinks.
"What now? Henry asks as we walk toward the cars.
"Now I'm going to go home to see my wife," I say as I look over at Henry, who looks deep in thought. "You’re still coming for breakfast, right?" I ask.
"Yes," he says, letting out a sigh before murmuring, “This is a shit show, Kieran.”
"I know but I have a plan," I say to him.
Henry nods at my statement, and I climb into my car because the only thing I can think of now is slipping into the bed with Mia.