Page 54 of Redemption

“We’ve come this far,” I agree. “No point in screwing it up now.” I squint at Lorcan. “You think he was serious about the head?”

He nods slowly. “Unfortunately, the only way to be sure is to take it.” He runs a hand along his neck. “If he meant it, you’ve done well. If he didn’t mean it, the fact you were willing to do it sends a pretty strong message.” He stares at me for a beat. “Not sure this needs to be said, but I’ll say it anyway. Shoot him dead before you chop off his head.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I mutter, striding to the front entrance. “Mercy and all that shit.”

When I arrive at the country property, Francois meets me at the iron gates. He climbs into the passenger seat for the drive up the laneway.

“Where’s Lachlan?” Francois asks.

“Left him at the pub in case anything comes up.”

He seems lost in thought for a minute. “The two of you have this…” He purses his lips. “Slick system, as though you’ve worked together for years.”

“Sometimes you get lucky and gel with someone.” I shrug. “Doesn’t happen that often.”

He points to the side of the massive house. “Around the rear. In the barn. Didn’t want to make a mess in the house. We’ve got McCaffrey’s men, the ones still alive, digging a grave for the others, cleaning up any trouble.”

We do not need the authorities sniffing here, looking for people. “You don’t do a mass grave. You need an incinerator. When families ask questions and you’ve got no answers, they’re gonna search this property.”

“Won’t be our problem,” Francois says. “We don’t want the land. Just the men and other assets.”

I let out an annoyed sigh. The bodies aren’t my problem either. Lorcan’s been in touch with the CIA since we started this mission, and while they aren’t thrilled with our methods, they’re more concerned about what comes next. The McCaffreys isn’t where the plan stops.

I park the car and follow Francois to the barn door. The structure is newer and smells of hay. Cattle mill around in the pasture, but the swinging doors are closed, keeping them out of the way.

When we enter, Donal is tied to a chair, beaten and bloody. Someone worked out their frustrations while we were gone. Dirt, hay, and blood are mixed together on the surrounding floor.

“Leave us,” I say, and his good eye cracks open.

“Finn,” he mutters. “’Twas you?”

“PLA.” No need to hide the source of his demise since he won’t be around to speak to anyone. Everyone but Francois files out of the barn. Guess he thought my order didn’t apply to him.

“You’re workin’ for them now?” Donal asks.

“In a way.” I shrug and remove my gun from the small of my back. “You can leave too,” I say to Francois.

“Lachlan isn’t here. I’ve been told to make sure you’re kept in line.” He leans against the barn wall and takes an apple out of his pocket and bites into it. The crunch sets my teeth on edge.

I rotate and fire my gun at him. The bullet grazes his upper arm and lodges in the wood.

“What the bloody hell?” Francois’s free hand covers the spot where blood trickles out of the hole in his shirt. “What was that for?”

“’Cause if the PLA thinksyou’rekeeping me in line, they got another think coming. I said out, and I meant get the fuck out. That was a warning shot.”

He pushes off the wall, cradling his upper arm with his hand, and he leaves without further comment. He finally did an internet search on me midweek. I enjoyed watching the color drain from his face while he read my list of crimes.

“Fucking women,” Donal says as soon as Francois is gone.

“I know he looks like a pansy, but he’s actually a man.” I cock my head. “Well, boy, really.” I let my gun hang at my side, and I turn to Donal.

“Not who I meant. PJ’s sex toy.”

“Jade?” I thought I’d have to bring her up to milk him for information. A stroke of luck or a bad omen?

“Is that what she’s calling herself now?” Donal glares at me. “You’re the reason she’s got her knickers in a twist.”

“I’d remember if I twisted her knickers.” I smirk. Not that my list of women is short, but I can’t imaginethat’show I recognize Jade.

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