Page 61 of Sins of the Father

"Vincent Collins, my father's lieutenant, embezzled two million dollars during that time," I say as Orla examines the documentation. "Thomas found the discrepancies three weeks before he died."

Sarah leans forward despite her injuries. "Uncle Thomas was murdered?"

Orla's jaw clenches. "Collins knew Dad tracked the theft. He had to stop him before Dad went to Tiernan."

"So he used Eamon," I continue.

Sarah looks confused. "Who's Eamon?"

"My brother. The one who helped rescue you." I pause. "The one who killed your uncle."

Sarah goes very still. "What?"

"Collins told Eamon that Thomas planned to inform authorities about all operations, not just the theft. Made it seem like your father would destroy the family."

Orla looks at Sarah. "Collins manipulated Eamon into thinking Dad was a traitor."

"Where's Collins now?" Sarah asks.

"Dead," I say simply. "Eamon killed him yesterday when we found out the truth."

The security system beeps. On the monitor, my father's black SUV passes through the main gate.

"Stay here," I tell both women, heading toward the entry hall.

They follow anyway, Sarah moving gingerly. Orla supports her cousin's arm as Tiernan enters. His presence commands the room without effort.

My father looks past me to both women. "The teacher survived, I see."

"She's under our protection now," I say.

Sarah stares at Tiernan with wide eyes. This is her first look at the head of the Kavanagh family.

"You've made an interesting choice," Tiernan says, "extending family protection to outsiders."

"They're not outsiders," I answer. "Collins betrayed you for years."

I pass him a tablet with financial documents. "He used Eamon to kill Thomas Nolan to avoid exposure for his theft."

My father reviews the evidence. I watch anger replace suspicion as his focus shifts from the women to his trusted lieutenant.

"Where's Eamon?" he asks.

"Downtown. He'll arrive soon."

Tiernan nods, then looks back at Orla and Sarah. "Your father was honest. Rare in our world."

"Yet your son killed him," Orla says without emotion.

"On false information," I add.

Sarah finds her voice. "What happens to Eamon?"

Tiernan walks to the window. "Collins stayed on our organization's edges. Taking percentages while avoiding notice."

"Eamon pays too," Orla says.

My father turns. "The Nolan matter ends now. Collins faced consequences for betrayal."

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