She smirks devilishly. “I bet you’ve got him hooked on that good good, Sim.”
“Oh please. Have you forgotten I still hate him?”
Our conversation evolves into talk about more than just men. Chantal updates me on what’s going on at the art gallery, including her next event.
“I’m having another showing at the gallery a week before Christmas. It’s a big one—featuring a new artist from London. I’m so excited,” she explains, then her face dims. “Oh. You probably won’t be able to make it. Considering, you know, your situation.”
I frown, looking down at my hands. “I wish I could be there.”
“I know, girl.” Chantal reaches over and squeezes my hand. Then she leans back, her expression turning shrewd. “Speaking of which… have you given it any thought? The solution to your problems?”
“What are you talking about?”
“The text I sent you.”
I shake my head. “Chani, I honestly don’t know what you were talking about.”
She glances around, making sure no one’s listening, then leans in closer. “Being the daughter of a senator has taught me one thing—every problem in the world can be made to go away with the right help. You just have to know who to go to.”
“What do you mean?”
“Fight fire with fire,” she says simply. “My dad might be a politician, but he’s turned to… alternative means sometimes to solve problems. The Irish aren’t the only big shots in New York City, Sim.”
My eyes widen as I realize what she’s implying. Then I shake my head. “Icouldn’t?—”
“I’m not saying you have to,” she interrupts, holding up a hand. “I’m just saying it’s an option.” She reaches into her purse and pulls out a business card, sliding it across the patio table. “He’s Russian. Very discreet.Verygood at what he does.”
I stare at the card like it’s a live grenade. It’s plain white with embossed black lettering. A name I don’t recognize with a number printed underneath.
The card doesn’t even specify who he is or what services he offers. I guess that’s the point; the discretion of it all.
“Just in case,” Chantal says quietly. “You don’t have to use it. But if things get bad… if you feel like you’re drowning and there’s no other way out… never forget. You have options.”
It’s still morning on Thanksgiving Day when the house fills with a host of delicious and savory smells.
The scent of roasting turkey, fresh bread, and herbs like sage and thyme fill every corner of Callahan House.
Oona can be heard in the kitchen running the operation like an Irish Gordon Ramsay, barking orders at a small team of cooks and ensuring the preparations for the big holiday feast are just right.
“No, no, no! The gravy needs more stock, you dumb fucks! And where’s the butter for the leeks? Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, do I have to do everything meself?”
Her shouting is always followed by the clang and clatter of pots and pans as the staff rush to correct their mistakes.
I’m upstairs changing into the simple wrap dress I’ll be wearing for the day. It’s one of the outfits I bought in SoHo on the shopping-trip-that-shall-not-be-named. It’s deep burgundy, modest but flattering, cinched at the waist, highlighting my hourglass figure.
I take my time getting ready, brushing my thick hair until it falls in smooth waves over my shoulders and applying just enough makeup to look polished.
When I head downstairs, I’m met with the loud, brash sound of laughter and deep male voices echoing through the halls.
I follow the sound to the den.
It’s the first real time since I moved in about a month ago that there’s actually a full house.
The den is packed with men—Seamus, Ronan, Eddie, all seated with other high-ranking men in the clan. I recognize Killian, of course, stretched out in an armchair with a glass of whiskey.
There’s a man named Tully McKinnon, silver haired but menacing enough with a scar running down his cheek. And another man—older, tubby, with square glasses—who I think is Beckett O’Leary from a different Irish crime family the Callahans are on good terms with.
Half of them puff on cigars, the room hazy with smoke. They’re deep in conversation that’s more than just family business. They’re discussing other topics too, like sports and current events.