Page 49 of Honorable Sins

"Dad's too harb a punibment," O'Grady complains.

I don't bother to respond to his whining, but Billy O'Grady looks at his dad like he's seeing him for the first time. Considering the fact the man has just made it clear that he prioritizes his position over his son, I doubt what he's seeing is making the kid happy.

"Duffy, for the time being, you will be demoted but continue to work with your current crew. You expressed a desire not to be separated from your son. If, after the ninety-day evaluation is complete and PJ's foster parents approve it, you will be given permission to relocate your family to the city in which your son is living and your role will be evaluated at that time."

Duffy's shoulders slump in defeat, as if it's finally sinking in that he's not going to be able to bluster his way through this, or talk himself and his son out of what's happening.

"As of right now, Kenneth, you are relieved of your rank of lieutenant." I don't bother to hide the satisfaction I feel at those words. "All mob businesses you oversee are now under Wraith's authority as the lieutenant replacing you."

"No way in hell! You call my cousin right the fuck now," Kenneth roars.

Sighing, I turn to my precious wife. "You're going to have to go to dinner without me. Take Fitz." Then I ask Graham, "Do you question my right to pass sentence?"

He shakes his head.

"Do you want to stay for the phone call with Brogan?" I clarify.

"If it means staying with my son a little longer…" Graham lets his voice trail off.

But I approve of the sentiment his words express. "You may go with your son and eat dinner in the kitchen with him and his guard."

Pure gratitude shines from Casey's eyes. "Thank you."

"Da, can Casey and Jasper eat dinner with us?" Fitz asks and then looks at his mom. "If that's okay with you, mom."

Kara's eyes soften on our son, her pride in him there for everyone to see. "I'm fine with it."

"Grand," I say.

Fitz takes that for the permission it is and gives Jasper a warning look. "My little brother and sisters will be there. Set a good example and don't talk about anything stupid."

"I won't," Jasper promises, looking stunned.

They all turn to go and my wife's almost to the door when I say, "Kara," in a warning tone.

She stops and turns, sensual mischief glowing in her hazel eyes for only me to see. "Yes, Mick?"

"Come here."

She doesn't hesitate, quickly crossing the distance between us, before grabbing the front of my shirt and reaching up on tiptoe. Wrapping my arms around her, I lean down and meet her with a kiss that stakes my claim for everyone to see and reminds her just who she belongs to.

And who I belong to. Her.

Brogan is bleedin' ragin' when the video call connects. "I should have demoted you after two rats came from your ranks. You're a fucking hypocrite to think Troy's children deserve to be punished for the sins of their father, when the man who should have kept Troy in check, failed."

Kenneth tries to defend himself. "I took my punish—"

But Brogan's having none of it. "It should not have been fucking necessary. Your lack of leadership could have cost me my niece. Now, your son has dishonored our family name. You better hope I calm down before I get back to New York, or I'll shoot you in the head myself and let another family adopt Kenny Jr. so he doesn't carry the Shaughnessy name anymore and can't shame us again."

Then he lays into Bill and Paul before giving the three remaining boys a dressing down my da would be proud of.

When Kenneth leaves the office five minutes later—without his son, his arrogance is smothered by a heavy blanket of worry.

Duffy and O'Grady are even more cowed when Wraith orders them to stay behind and he outlines their new duties before he lets them leave. Brice deals with the boys, taking them and their minders to one of our safehouses in the city, where they'll be staying until they leave New York.

I make it to the table halfway through dinner. Maeve gives me a good glare, but unbends enough to instruct me to fill a plate.

Kara lays her hand on my thigh in a silent promise for later.