Page 72 of Revenge

“You need a break from her. People have a hard time understanding you with the accent already,” I mock.

“It’s what I keep telling him. We need a break. We are in the states fucker,” Ray adds.

“You both ar lavvy heid.”

“Really, toilet head? Grow up.” Ray jokingly pushes him.

“Come on, behave,” I say, trying to stop laughing.“Walk with me to Viktor’s office.” Inside the office, I start talking.“So, what is going on?” I sit on the couch, and they follow.

“Your da ordered a change of ratio between us. It’s three to one favoring the Irish.” Angus says.

“When?”

“This morning. The order came from Bobby.” Ray adds. We are silent for a moment.

“What did Viktor say?” I ask.

“This thing with the both of you needs to stop. We need to be united at a time like this,” Ray says.

“Aye,” Angus adds.

“You both know it isn’t that simple. But we will always stand side by side when the time comes.”

“I guess it means you still won’t tell him?” Ray asks.

“No. After this set of new orders, it only reassures me that I am doing the right thing.” I sit back.

“It’s his bairn.”

“But we know what will happen if my father or worse, the McIntyres, find Ava. I refuse to risk her life so Viktor can see her. Whether he wants to admit it, he knows I’m right.”

“Aye,” Angus agrees.

“What now?” Ray asks.

“Go into the reserves and even the numbers. We will cover the difference. Angus, you’ll have to start recruiting early.”

“Aye.”

“Your father isn’t going to approve that,” Ray says.

“It’s fair to say his priorities are currently misplaced. We need to protect our brothers. Ray, let’s go over some tactical plans. I’m pretty certain war is at our footsteps. It’s just a matter of when.” He shakes his head. My phone rings. The screen reads Tina. I decide to answer.

“Hey, cuz,” she greets.

“Hi, Tina. You’re up early,” I tease.

“It’s not that early.”

“What do you need?”

“I want to talk about Ava and check-in. Her phone is off.”

“She is fine, and stop telling her things.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.”

“Don’t play games. Things are fragile as it is. She doesn’t need a play-by-play of what is going on. Stressing her isn’t healthy for the baby. The baby will be here soon. No need to expedite it.”

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