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“Aye. It’s a despicable model to make part of a family business.”
Everyone nods in agreement.
I pause, making sure I have their full attention. “And the clincher is—we use the chaos to improve our relations with the other families. Each of them must have something we can help them with, so, in return for us knocking the McGuires down a few pegs, we gain support across the island.”
Aiden whistles, low and appreciative. “It’s ballsy.”
Aye, it is, and I love it. It follows Da’s principles but also allows me to show the other families how my mind works.
Aiden’s usual reserve seems a bit more relaxed with the plan laid out. “We’ll need to stay tight, though. The McGuires won’t take this lying down. We should expect violent pushback.”
I waggle my brows. “Let them come. We’ll be ready. Won’t we, lads?”
Brendan and Bryan nod. “Aye. We know what to do. We’ll be ready.”
The energy in the room is electric with anticipation, each of us aware of the risks but invigorated by the potential rewards.
We’re sending our message.
No one messes with the Quinns and gets away with it.
As we wrap up the meeting, I meet the gazes of my inner circle. “Let’s get to work, lads. It’s time the McGuires learn who really runs this city.”
“Hells yeah, it is,” Brendan says.
“Sean’s running point on this for the next few hours. I’ve got a lot of calls to make and hands to shake with the other families.”
Brendan scoffs. “I don’t envy you that, brother.”
Me either, but it has to be done.
Stepping out of the war room, there’s a fire in my veins that hasn’t been there since Da passed. The weight of responsibility is heavy, but the plan is solid and allows for the fewest casualties.
When I arrive in my office, I glance out the window at the grounds outside. It’s a nice day. As much as I want to text Finn and check in on Laine and the progress of her day with her family, I’ve got my plate full with Quinn business right now.
No need to get distracted.
Although, it was speaking to Laine that inspired me to tackle this course of action to begin with.
Still…it’s time to assert myself and start gaining confidence with the other families. I pull out my phone and dial the first number, waiting for the click that tells me I’ve been connected.
“Ronan, it’s Tag Quinn.” I keep my tone even but firm. “I’m calling because Mattie McGuire crossed a line the other day and I want to ensure you know what happened.”
There’s a pause on the line, heavy and considering. “I heard about it. You taking action?”
“Plans are in motion. Despite the truce Da put into place, Mattie hit us on neutral ground and sent innocents to hospital. I won’t let that stand.”
“And why are you calling me?”
“Because I know the McGuires have men from the north on loan for an attack on me, and I want to give you a chance to get on the right side of this.”
“What makes you think the men he has are mine?”
“I don’t—not for certain—but even though I prefer no blood be shed in Dublin, if I find opposing forces in my streets, the Devils have been given the order to deal with any outside forces swiftly and without warning. I’m simply saying, if you loaned Mattie men and didn’t realize it was to incite a war, now would be the time to pull them back.”
“I’ll take that under advisement, Quinn.”
“Thanks for hearing me out. And say hello to your lovely mam from me. What a fine woman.”
