Page 93 of Honorable Sins

Final Acts

MICK

Kara and I are early.

It's judgment day for Kenneth-fucking-Shaughnessy and the gym has been stripped of everything that usually defines it. Heavy bags, benches and training mats have been moved out or stacked against the far wall.

Rows of folding chairs face the raised stage where the old wooden table waits beneath the projection screen. The table predates every man who will sit in judgment today. The first Boss used it when the organization was still learning how much power could be built from men who understood that loyalty had value.

Brogan will sit at the center. He will hear the evidence, address his men and pass sentence. That is his right.

Until Labor Day.

I set my laptop on the table and confirm the connection to the projection screen. The opening recording is queued up, ready to go. Every other file is arranged in the order I intend to use it.

Kenneth made himself a problem. Today, we eliminate that problem.

Wearing black trousers and a fitted jacket, her hair pulled away from her face, my wife looks both beautiful and like a force to be reckoned with. "Everything ready?"

"Aye."

Her gaze moves over the rows of empty chairs, then to Brogan’s place at the center of the table, evaluating the setup. "They’re going to question the confessions."

"Aye. Some of them." The foolish ones.

The ones who think I'll forget the risk dissension represents to the safety of my family.

"Do you think my father will give him a chance to defend himself?" Kara asks.

I know what's worrying her. Wraith participated in Kenneth's interrogation and I guided us away from any mention of Karl Nystrom and his plans for Fitz. Thinking he was still going to get revenge against me through my son, Kenneth didn't say a word about the Swedish assassin's father and his plans to kidnap and kill Fitz.

"Nah. Even if he does, Kenneth isn't going to say anything about Karl. It incriminates him and he's still hoping the Swede is still in play." He's not. Karl Nystrom is dead and I didn't make it quick.

He wanted to kill my son. And he made my wife cry. Karl sobbed and begged for death at the end.

I put my hand against the back of Kara's neck and draw her closer until her shoulder presses against my chest. She settles into me automatically.

Kara does not need protection from what will happen in this room. She stands at my side because we are a team. A man’s life will be declared forfeit today. Kara is strong enough to witness that without looking away.

Voices carry from the propped open door. The first of the soldiers are arriving.

I kiss Kara once, then release her.

By the time Brogan walks onto the stage, the gym is full.

Nearly two hundred men sit facing us. Lieutenants in the front, captains behind them and soldiers filling every remaining row. Wraith stands off to the side, his attention fixed on Kenneth as two soldiers bring him in.

Kenneth limps.

His left cheek is purple from Wraith’s fist. One knee no longer bends properly after meeting my flapjack during questioning. His lips are split, and one eye is swollen enough to interfere with his vision.

He still tries to carry himself like a man who belongs at the table.

The soldiers put him in the chair at the side of the stage.

Brogan raises one hand. The room stills.

He speaks first. He reminds the men that six years have passed since the organization sentenced a traitor. He calls that proof of loyalty, then looks at Kenneth and acknowledges the exception sitting a few feet away.