“I don’t mean a wife partner. Like in business. Dad suggested the Donovans and Rileys could support you, and he’d commit every man he has. And if they join, maybe the Russos will too.”
My jaw clenches. The Donovans and Rileys stayed neutral during Kean's takeover, protecting their interests while my family burned. Now Hannah suggests we court their support?
"They're opportunists," I growl. "They'll back whoever looks strongest."
"Exactly." Hannah shifts to face me fully, her eyes bright with conviction. "Right now, they see the Ifrinns working from the shadows. But if we showed them your true strength, demonstrated what you and your brothers can accomplish… have accomplished?—”
"It's not that simple." But even as I say it, my mind races with possibilities. The Donovans control the ports. The Rileys have connections throughout city government and are able to launder a shit-ton of money through their small businesses throughout the city. With their backing, we could squeeze Kean's operation from multiple angles.
“Your family was respected. Your mom and dad. If we can tap into that, show them they can have that kind of leadership and prosperity, they’d be fools not to help.”
I blink in surprise. "You've done your research."
A faint blush colors her cheeks. "I want to help, Ash. Not just because of my father's promises but because you deserve justice. The Keans need to pay for what they did to your family.” She pauses. “And to Meghan.”
Her fierce loyalty catches me off guard. This isn't the timid bride I married weeks ago. She's offering real strategic value, insights I hadn't considered.
My first instinct is to shut down Hannah's suggestion. The idea of involving more people, especially those who stood by while the Keans destroyed my family, makes my blood boil. But as I process what she's saying, I can't deny the strategic value of her intel.
“What else did your father say?”
Hannah reaches for her phone on the nightstand, pulling up her notes. "The Donovans are most likely to support us. They've been losing money since the Keans started demanding higher percentages on port shipments. The Rileys have been independent, but the Keans are squeezing them and may have set a fire to one of their businesses.” She looks up at me, as if the Keans’ setting a fire would trigger me.
“With Ronan dead, I wonder who set it?”
She shrugs. “The Russos are probably a no-go until we get more support.”
I’m taken with how she uses “we”. I don’t want her involved, but she’s taken this on. My mission is now her mission.
“The Callahans, they're furious that Hampton blocked Catherine's nephew from getting appointed as judge. And the Byrnes blame Hampton for police harassment of their club.”
I run a hand through my hair, impressed despite myself. This is exactly the kind of information we need, the personal grievances and pressure points that could turn potential allies to our side.
"Anyone else?"
"The Sullivans, although my dad thinks they’ll wait and watch, side with the victor. The MacIntyres offered their son to Keira Kean, but she turned them down, so they feel slighted.”
My lips twitch up.
“What?”
“Just wondering what Hampton would do if we offered Phoenix to marry Keira.”
Her brow furrows. “Is that a possibility?”
“Hell no. I mean, maybe ten years ago, but today? No. Phoenix wouldn’t be able to look at her and not see our parents’ deaths on her hands.” Still. It could be another way in.
Hannah scrolls through her list. "Each has their own reasons for wanting the Keans gone. Some just need proof we're strong enough to succeed where others failed."
She's right. These families aren't just potential. Their support would give us legitimacy that ten years of shadow operations couldn't achieve.
"Your father gave you all this?" I ask, still somewhat skeptical.
“I don’t think he likes being viewed as a man without honor.”
“That and he’s scared of backing the wrong horse."
Hannah sets down her phone and faces me. "Please don’t be too hard on him. You of all people know what Kean is capable of. But if we can get even two or three of these families on board, he'll commit completely."
