Chapter 1 #2
I nod. I met Keenan last year when we took the rare venture to the south to help Mary. It was the furthest I’d ever been from my home in the mountains.
“Oh?”
“Aye. And he’s got a man on his payroll who’s a hacker. Knows the ins and outs of communication and the like.”
I chuckle. “Of course he does.” The McCarthy Clan is large and prosperous, their strength in numbers and skills nearly unrivaled by any other mob I know of.
“McCarthy says they got caught in the crosshairs of communication, and intercepted correspondence that said Mingus Fucking Aitkens alluded to being responsible for interference with the deal we made in Inverness last month.”
I bristle.
“Did they?”
Dad nods. “And furthermore, according to McCarthy, Aitken’s men were responsible for the devastation in the Cathedral and the attack on Father MacGowen. McCarthy’s sources say they’re planning a second attack this evening.”
I curse under my breath, keenly aware that I just chastised Paisley for doing the very same not ten minutes ago.
“Were they?”
“Aye.” He shakes his head, his thick northern accent coming out when he’s agitated. “Ah dinae ken, son, the fucking bastards. Reckon they think they’ll get a wee bit of leverage if they take that tack, hmm? Aitkens fancies himself the fucking Lord of Inverness and Laird of all.”
I nod. “Aye, sir. He does. So you reckon we should pay them a visit, then?”
“No question. Take your brothers and enforcers. Prepare to intervene when they attack the church. There’s no need for bloodshed, though a proper beating may be necessary.”
“Hope I get the fucking chance.” I get to my feet and head for the door, eager to prepare my men, when my father’s voice stops me.
“You’d wait for a fucking chance?”
My hand freezes on the doorknob, my anger resurfacing like a tidal wave. Of all the bloody cheek—
“Leith.”
I exhale a ragged breath before I turn to look at him. “Aye?”
There’s challenge in his eyes, a reminder that I’ll never be his first-born son, that I’ll never rule the way he fucking did.
“Remember, the Cowen men don’t ever harm the interior of the church. Somewhere outside will suit thee well.”
Like I need the fucking reminder.
“Aye.”
He can’t give me direct orders per our strict hierarchy, but as former Clan Captain, he has sway. As my father, he has even more.
He’s given me instructions to harm our rivals, to make them hurt, but the heavens themselves will wage war if we harm the church.
I shut the door behind me, and nearly collide with Mum.
Her hair’s gone white in recent years, cut short, but her eyes are still vivid bright blue.
Despite her small stature and age, she’s smart as a whip and clever to boot.
She’s slender and youthful, dresses in simple leggings and tops, and would fit in easily with the much younger crowd of women in Inverness.
“Everything alright, son?” Her eyes cut to my father’s study door. If anyone’s keenly aware of the tension between us it’s Mum.
“Aye. We’ve a job to do. Dad’s got news from the south that impacts us.”
I don’t give her details, and she doesn’t ask questions, but she walks with me. I’m mentally preparing to leave and drive into Inverness to kick Aitkens arse. I haven’t driven off this mountain in fucking weeks.
“A word, son?”
“Aye.” I don’t have much patience, as time is of the essence here.
“I came across Paisley a short while ago. She was crying, Leith.”
I roll my eyes but don’t reply. I make a sort of grunting sound as I shoot a text to my brothers.
Need to run an errand in town. Will fill you in on the way. Retribution in store. Be here in ten minutes.
Their responses are prompt.
On my way.
Be there straight away.
Yes, sir.
I look up at Mum, who’s patiently waiting, her hands folded in front of her and a soft smile on her lips.
“Aye. What about Paisley?”
“Leith, she’s more sensitive than Islan, you know that.” It’s true. Islan’s a veritable fireball.
I grunt again, not terribly interested in having this conversation.
“Says you may not let her travel at the weekend. That you told her she had to remember who she was and ask your permission?”
I nod. “Something like.”
Mum blinks once, then twice. “Leith.”
I glance at the clock on my phone. “I have to go soon. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
A muscle ticks in her jaw. “Remember that a good leader shows meekness.”
I blow out an impatient breath, eager to get going on my task. “Of course. Have I done anything that showed you otherwise?”
She shakes her head and walks away. I have the distinct feeling I’m missing something.
Ten minutes later, my Clan brothers and I are driving down the steep, narrow path that takes us into the heart of Inverness.
We’re far enough away, no one ever comes here by accident, but also far enough away it’s a pain in my arse to get into the heart of the city.
I make a silent vow that one of my new jobs as Clan Captain will be to ensure I’ve got a better route to the city, as long as we continue to be well hidden.