“You like it better with their father. You said everyone was more prosperous. There was more harmony. Don’t you want that again?”
Dad studies me like he’s seeing a new person. "You've got fire, sweetheart. But this isn't as simple as picking sides and charging into battle."
"I know that?—”
"No, you don't." His voice carries the weight of decades navigating Boston's underworld. "The Keans have their fingers in every pie, not just in Boston, but in Massachusetts andbeyond. Politicians, judges, they're all tied up in Hampton's web. Even those who hate him won't move against him."
"So we just let them keep terrorizing everyone?" Why did he make the deal if he wasn’t going to follow through?
"What I'm saying is that strength alone won't cut it. The Ifrinns are capable, yes. But four brothers and a handful of our men won't be enough. We need more allies, other families who'll stand with us when the time comes. But they’re not going to stand with Ash and his brothers while they’re hiding. They need to see the whole of them.”
“They killed Ronan and?—”
“Right now, it’s a rumor. It’s like a folktale. They need to step out of the shadows and take the Keans head on."
“They will, but they need your help.”
Mom touches Dad's arm. "John, maybe if we reached out to the Sullivans…"
"The Sullivans are fence-sitters," he scoffs. "They'll wait to see which way the wind blows before picking a side."
"Then we find others," I insist. "There must be more families tired of living under Hampton Kean's thumb. Especially since he’s been getting worse."
Dad's eyes soften as he looks at me. "This isn't the fairy tale you're hoping for, Hannah. People are scared. The Keans have spent years making examples of anyone who challenges them.”
“You challenged them when you took Ash’s money and married me to him. You can’t back out now. If we need families, let’s get them. Who do you think would be most approachable?” I scan my brain for what I know about the families. "What about the Donovans? They've lost two shipping contracts to Kean's companies this year."
Dad's eyebrows lift. "You've been paying attention."
"Just because you kept me sheltered doesn't mean I didn't listen."
Mom gets the coffee carafe and refills our cups. "The Donovans would be valuable allies."
"The Russo family too," Dad adds, his expression full of thought. "They've been looking to expand their territory, but Kean keeps blocking them. And the Fitzgeralds lost their construction contracts when they wouldn't inflate the costs for Kean's money laundering."
I pull out my phone, making notes. "Who else?"
"The Rileys have managed to stay independent, but Kean's been pressuring them lately. Rumor is the fire at their restaurant was set by the Keans,” Mom says.
"The Donovans and Rileys are most likely to help," Dad nods. "The Russos will need convincing. They're cautious after what happened to their cousin. The Fitzgeralds…" He shakes his head. "They're angry enough, but they've lost too much already. They'll need solid proof we can win before they'll commit."
Mom and Dad lobby names of families and their grievances back and forth while I note them all in my phone.
I study my list. "So we start with the Donovans and Rileys, build momentum, then approach the others?"
"We?" Dad raises an eyebrow.
"You and Ash,” I say, knowing I’d be overstepping to suggest I help negotiate their business. But make no mistake, I’m going to help.
I give my mom a hug and then my dad. “We’re counting on you. If we all do what we said we’ll do, the Keans’ reign of terror can end.”
The drive home feels different. It’s the first time I’ve engaged with my parents as an equal, not a daughter under their control. Despite knowing I have no more power, I do feel like I have a purpose beyond just being Ash's wife in name only. I can actually help him achieve his goal, revenge on the Keans for all they took from him and his brothers.
My gaze drifts out my window as my driver stops at a red light, my mind running through ideas for things I can do to help. As a woman, I can’t set up a meeting, but I can host a dinner. It would make sense to re-introduce my husband into our world. Let the Donovans and Rileys get a good look at the man Ash has become. I have no doubt that they’d take his measure and know he and his brothers are the key to finally bringing the Keans down.
A feeling of pride for Ash washes through me as we drive through the gates of our home. I have every confidence in him. I imagine him getting his revenge and how it will be a relief.
But as I exit the car, I wonder if it will really change anything between us. It won’t stop him from loving Meghan or feeling guilty for her death. And once the Keans are gone, the need for our marriage will disappear.
