Page 80 of Irish King

The only one missing was Ma. She was home, mourning in her own way. Despite the civility of the funeral, I didn’t want her anywhere near it. There was a negative energy there and I had a bad feeling.

The priest finished his words, a line forming for one last glimpse of the body before its interment. Kellan and I watched the attendees approach to pay their last respects, first to Eddie, then to me and my brother.

“Still got the meeting with the cartel tonight,” Kellan said as we watched the mourners.

“I know. Hopefully we don’t have to deal with any bullshite about it.”

One after another, the mourners approached. Most were low-level associates, but a few city officials were scattered in the mix. After a time, Jose approached.

“I want to offer my sincere condolences,” he said, taking my hand and clasping his other over it. “Eddie will be missed.”

He sounded sincere, but it was always hard to tell with snakes like Jose. He said the same to Kellan, and as he did, I noticed the slightest hint of a smile on his face as he walked off.

Enrique was next, reeking of cologne as he approached.

“So, the boys are in charge now,” he said, taking my hand then Kellan’s, his voice heavily accented. “It’s the dawn of a new day.”

“For all of us,” I said. “Assuming that we’re still on for tonight.”

“Oh, most certainly. Not a chance that I would miss such an exciting opportunity. I look forward to seeing you both. Let us mourn during the day, then celebrate this evening. And trust me, we will have much to celebrate.”

He smiled, then was off. I watched him closely, Kellan doing the same. Jose flashed me one more look before he and Enrique and the rest of the cartel crew entered into their fleet of luxury cars and drove away.

“What’re you thinking?” Kellan asked, not taking his eyes off the departing convoy.

“Thinking that everything is set for tonight. But I want us to be on guard. Jose and Enrique have to understand that the power transfer presents an opportunity for them both. We’re about to find out whether or not they’re planning on taking advantage of it.”

Kellan nodded; his expression steely.

We worked our way through the line, the attendees watching as the casket was lowered into the ground.

That was it. Eddie was gone.

Kellan and I stepped over to Mrs. Coonan, who was still with her friends.

“Our condolences,” I said, offering her a hug. “Eddie was a good man, and we’re going to make damn sure we live up to his legacy.”

“And you’ll be taken care of,” Kellan said. “Eddie made damn sure of that.”

“Thank you, boys,” she said. “Thank you.”

With that, she left with her friends. The rest of the attendees filed out, and it wasn’t long before Kellan and I were alone.

“You ready for this, brother?” I asked. “Two hours from now this organization is going to be all yours.”

He nodded, taking a deep breath. “I’m ready. But I’m not worried about all that. It’s the cartel. I got a strange feeling from those two.” He nodded in the direction where their cars had been. “You think they might try something tonight?”

“They might. But we’re going to be ready. Now, come on.”

Together, Kellan and I made our way to my car. From there, we’d be off to Pussycats, where the rest of the crew was waiting for us.

I could only pray that, if anything went down, those I cared about the most wouldn’t be caught in the crossfire.

Chapter 32

Claire

Iwasn’t sure I’d read the text correctly when it arrived on my phone.

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