The Shield's Fate

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Cal

We're in one of Canavan's hubs outside of the city. My uncle is tied to a chair, waiting for his death. I sit in front of him and pour us each a glass of whiskey.

Cormac stares at me with a blank look.

I tip the glass up to his lips and he drinks it all.

I sit back and cross my arms.

"My sons don't want to face me one last time, hmm?" Cormac asks.

He almost looks tired.

"You're talking with me now," I tell him. "Not them. Your little manipulation tactics don't work on me like they do on them."

"Like you know anything about being a parent," Cormac scoffs.

"I know how NOT to be, so thanks for that lesson," I lean back, sipping my drink.

Cormac's jaw ticks. "I've got to hand it to you. I didn't think you had it in you. I certainly didn't think they had it in them. What will you give them? My spot? Will you give Colm Limerick?"

"I won't give you the satisfaction of answering that," I shrug as I take another sip of my drink.

Cormac sighs. "You really gonna kill me Cal?"

"Slowly."

Cormac chuckles. "You remind me so much of him..."

I frown down at my drink.

"Think you're hot shit," Cormac sighs. "Derek was always flying too close to the sun. Tell me, you gonna follow in your dad's footsteps? You going to run around Dublin like a cocky bastard till they kill you, too?"

"Is this your way of giving me advice?" I tease.

Cormac laughs again, shaking his head. "You don't deserve it."

"I don't care what you think, Tomlin," I sigh. "Why can't you get that through your head?"

"You were right to stay in Chicago all these years. You're better suited there. I would've been good in Dublin. No one wanted to accept that truth, but I would have been."

We sit in silence for a moment.

I take another slow sip of my drink.

"Why did you do it?" I ask finally.

"Do what?" Cormac frowns.

"Align with Vitali. That plan to take down your own brother-in-law, your nephew...what you knew would happen to Iris. Do you have any idea what kind of hell she went through? What they did to her?"

Cormac's frown deepens. "I did what I had to do. I know you don't approve."

"You knew they'd hurt her. You knew they'd rape her and beat her and use her. And you still let it happen. Why?"

Cormac sighs, but doesn't respond.

"Why?" I demand. "You owe me that."

"I owe you jack-shit!" he snaps finally.

"And why did you hurt my girl?" I ask, leaning forward. "You had to know that would force my hand."

Cormac grinds his teeth together, lets out a harsh exhale from his nose. "It was supposed to scare you off. Show you what I'm capable of."