The Heirs: The Murphy Sweetheart

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Emery

A week later, I'm working with Uncle Jack for the day when he insists we go to his favorite diner – Shane's Diner – for lunch. We meet up with my Aunt Brenna and I order the best thing on their menu – the waffles loaded with whipped cream and strawberries.

"A good choice," Aunt Brenna smiles proudly.

"How was Dublin?" I ask Uncle Jack. "I haven't seen Dad yet and we never really spoke about it." They got back the day before yesterday and Dad has been inundated with meetings since.

Uncle Jack nods, looking wary.

"There are some concerns about the Cosa Nostra," Uncle Jack says, looking at his wife hesitantly.

Aunt Brenna gives a small shrug before saying, "She's part of it now. She should know the truth."

Uncle Jack looks to me again. "There's a very real fear that the Rossis are trying to get more power out here and out in Chicago too."

"Chicago?" I ask, confused. The Marinos, Donnellys, and Yenins have been the kings of the streets of Chicago for decades. No one ever tries anything over there.

Boston, too. Ever since the Carmichael/Murphy truce and their alliance with the Corozzas in Providence, it's been relatively peaceful.

"Rumblings in Dublin is all," Uncle Jack smiles tightly. "Nothing to worry about yet."

"Yet..." I grumble. If there is one thing I know about the Cosa Nostra, is that they will always do what they can to have the most power. The world gets smaller all the time. That's what Dad taught me, anyway.

"How are Troy and Atlas liking their junior years?" I ask, changing the subject.

"Atlas is playing football again," Aunt Brenna says proudly. "Troy is...well, he's not in jail!" She looks equally as proud of Troy for staying out of jail. I laugh. That doesn't surprise me at all.

"Do you see the gray hair, Emmy?" Uncle Jack jokes, pointing to his perfectly fine all-black hair. The same hair as my dad. Although, unlike Uncle Jack, Dad does have some salt and pepper now.

Aunt Brenna nudges him, giggling a bit.

"And how's life at the gallery?" I ask her.

Aunt Brenna beams as she talks about her gallery. She went to school for art and worked for museums for several years, helping restore and keep art. She eventually decided she wanted to make her own stuff and opened a gallery right around the corner from Mom's original boutique a few years back.

"It's great! You'll have to come by some time and check it out. We have a few great new featured artists."

"I definitely will."

Uncle Jack pays the bill and I hug my aunt before the two of us head back to work. Uncle Jack is doing the rounds around several different truckyards under Murphy Inc. today. I've been furiously taking notes and asking questions to the managers of the yards on their processes.

I'm talking to one of the head logistics reps when I hear my uncle call out, "Hey! What the hell are you doing here, Whelan?"

I almost drop my pen.

I haven't seen Rhys since...the incident last week.

When I look over, he's shaking my uncle's hand and shooting the shit. His hazel eyes instantly move to mine and I feel suddenly very sweaty. He's dressed casually today, wearing a pullover and designer jeans that hug his ass far too well.