Page 84 of Mob Star

After I let Corey set himself up, I’ll confirm Ewan’s suspicions that Corey is full of shite and that I’m the one who took care of Rowan. That’s two favors he owes me for the drugs and diming out Corey. I’ll make it a hat trick by letting Ewan fool his men into thinking he was the one who got that shipment off us. He needs something big like that early on to establish he’s the new alpha.

“I’ll do that for a price, Finn. Get Althea’s father to accept my help.”

I grin. “You are stupid, but you aren’t that stupid. You went after my girlfriend. The only reason you’re alive is because you’re useful. But you are out of your mind if you think I’m letting you strong-arm Althea’s family. You’re lucky I didn’t put a bullet through your empty head just for saying her name. The only price being paid is the one I’m collecting. Your life is worth what I told you to do. If you don’t, then it’s worthless.”

It's been worthless since the moment he got Thea involved in his club bullshit. He just didn’t know it back then.

“You’re getting on your bike tomorrow, and you’re going home.”

I feel my phone vibrate. I dig into my pants pocket and pull it out. A quick glance tells me what I suspected. I tap on a photo and turn it toward him.

“Alone.”

I tack that on once I know he’s registered the image. Seamus and our guys took care of Corey’s posse. It means he’ll be rolling back into Bean Town without an entourage. I’m risking him not making it home if the right people see he’s unprotected. But I really couldn’t care less one way or another. We’ll find another way to make Ewan our bitch as payback for his father trying to fuck us over.

I shake the phone before thrusting it in his face.

“Breathe in the Gallaghers’ direction, and you’ll wind up just like them.”

Chapter Twenty

Thea

I talked to Finn half an hour ago, and I feel a lot better. He wouldn’t give me any specifics— of course —but he alluded to him reminding Corey my family and I are untouchable. He said Corey was already on his bike and headed back to Boston. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a deep sigh of relief. I’m not convinced things are over with Corey, but at least he isn’t in the same area code as us anymore.

Sean and Cormac are really sweet. They both got me food when their shifts ended. Shane’s the one in the waiting area now. I wouldn’t have eaten much more than the candy bars Sean got me if they hadn’t. It’s a full moon, and L&D has been crazy. Was it a full moon forty weeks ago? It’s been a while since Labor and Delivery has had almost all their rooms occupied. Fortunately, I was only called in twice. The other neonatologist was called in once. That’s what I call a good shift. Every once in a while, I go an entire twelve hours without a single call. I count those as miracles. They are few and far between.

I’m reminded every day of what a blessing it is to have a healthy baby when there is so much that can go wrong. It honestly is the miracle of life. I’ve never been opposed to having my own family, but this job certainly gives pause to that idea. I like the thought of having a family with Finn one day. I haven’t met another man I seriously entertained that idea with.

However, the moment I contemplate it, I remember I wouldn’t just get Finn. I’d get the mob too. The O’Rourkes would be wonderful in-laws, from what I can tell. But I don’t want to imagine raising children in that world, knowing any sons would follow in Finn’s footsteps. It’s a bucket of ice over my head when I remember that. I want Finn the man, not Finn the mobster as the father of my children. That begs the question: will I sacrifice having kids to have a life with Finn? Right now, the answer is yes. Will it be the same in six months or a year? I don’t know.

I know I’m getting way too far ahead of myself, but I have time to let my mind wander. I’m in the doctors' on call room and scrolling social media mindlessly. There are two other doctors asleep in here, so I’m remaining quiet. I needed a change of scenery from the L&D unit and the postpartum one. Just a few minutes to breathe. I haven’t received any more inexplicable texts, and I’m grateful for that. It was freaking me out more than I wanted to admit.

When I spoke to Finn a little while ago, I admitted that. I know it bothered him that I’m still scared, but I felt better telling him. Not because I want him to worry more. Just the opposite. I don’t want him to think I’m naïve and believe this isn’t a big deal. I want him to know I trust him to take care of me and keep me safe. He also understands I need to relinquish that worry to him, so I can focus on work. I can’t control what’s happening, but he can.

I hit accept when I see an incoming call pop up. It’s a colleague who’s off today. He left a few hours ago. He was the other neonatologist who only had one baby to attend. I step into the hallway to keep from disturbing the two sleeping doctors.

“Hi, Drew.”

“Hey, Ally. I was wondering if you could do me a favor.”

“I’ll try. What’s up?”

“My in-laws just surprised us with a trip to Pittsburgh.” Oh, I hear the excitement.

“Sounds—”

“Miserable. I like my mother- and father-in-law. It’s the rest of the family that drives me batshit. But we’re supposed to leave in two weeks for six days. I know you’re on right now. I was wondering if you’d swap your shifts until I leave. I’ll cover everything you have now, and you’d cover the days I was supposed to be on while I’m gone.”

“Sure.”

That’s a no brainer. Finn wanted me to take time off right now, and frankly, hiding out at home sounds perfect. A bubble without the outside world would be terrific. I know I’m not entirely untouchable since someone put a brick through my window and fucked with me yesterday. But the brick happened before Finn gave me a security detail. And I had guards yesterday.

“Great. I can be in, in an hour. Does that work?”

“Do you want to sleep before you come back?”

He hesitates. “Yeah. But only two. The more hours I can cover for you now, the less I have to hear from Deena’s family about me rushing back to work. They think big money for a doctor. They don’t think patients who need their doctor.”

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