Page 1 of Ronan

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.

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