Leona reached her hand out to me, a question in her eyes. “How long, Fallon?”
I looped my fingers through hers. These matters were extremely time sensitive. If the Albanians had been operating in New York for so long, they knew what they were doing—and they had been, so far, good at flying under the radar. It was only by chance and Leona’s father’s files that we even knew who they were.
If we didn’t weed them out while we could, they would only take further root and expand—or they’d slip through our fingers entirely.
“We need to make a dent in them. Figure out their hiding places. Understand their numbers.” Fallon watched us carefully,but Finn’s fingers brushed her shoulder, almost in warning. She looked up and something silent passed between them. “Fine. A few days. That’s all I will ask of ya.”
Leona’s fingers squeezed, her dilemma clear on her face. She didn’t want to refuse. But she didn’t want to agree.
It was my choice.
I couldn’t say no to Fallon, especially not at the expense of Zoya’s protection. I had survived this much—gathered my strength—to help these people. I could do what she needed, and then return to New York once Fallon was in a better position.
“Deal.”
“Wynn…” Leona whispered.
“You don’t have to,” Zoya said weakly, staring at mine and Leona’s locked hands. “This is dangerous.”
Both Leona and Fallon knew my past. They would understand what this meant to me, even if Zoya didn’t. Even if she didn’t need protection, I would still do this. I couldn’t turn away. Yet I couldn’t stay here for long—not with things still on edge in New York—but I needed to do what I could.
It was my duty. I had to help.
I brushed my thumb over Leona’s cheek before facing Fallon. “I will help for two days. That’s all I can spare.”
The meeting with Giulio was only a few days from now. I needed to be back in New York before then.
Fallon nodded. “I appreciate that Wynn. I can send you to Conor and Ronan straight away. Whatever you can accomplish in the next forty-eight hours would be appreciated.”
Leona’s jaw worked, but she didn’t protest. On top of knowing about my past, I could also see the glint of anger in her eyes. Not at me, but at the Albanians.
Her father brought the Albanians into New York, and it was our responsibility to stop them. By helping Fallon, I was alsohelping her—helpingus. Even though she didn’t respond, she grabbed my hand and squeezed.
“Zoya Makarova, you are officially under the protection of the Irish, but that protection extends only within the bounds of Willow’s home. If you leave there voluntarily, there’s nothing I can do. Understand?”
Zoya nodded but said nothing else. The young Russian woman watched the room with huge eyes, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. I couldn’t tell if she was overwhelmed, or simply trying to take everything in, but I assumed that in just one night, she’d seen more of the criminal underworld than she had in years. Based on what we heard in at the Makarov Estate, Konstantin kept her separate from the worst of it—just as Leona’s father had done.
More and more of Leona’s earlier anger made sense to me. If these women were going to be used as pawns regardless, shouldn’t they at least be well-prepared to defend and take care of themselves?
It was exactly the same thought I’d had when I agreed to train Leona.
“We’ll take you to Willow’s after this,” Leona told Zoya. I pulled out my phone to text Willow the update; I’d already called her and confirmed she could watch over Zoya on the drive down here. Now, with Fallon’s permission and protection, Zoya should be safe for the time being.
“That matter is settled,” Fallon said. “Now, I have other things to discuss. First, the cartel has been busy in our ports here as well. We’ve stopped two shipments and confiscated their drugs. Because of the respect I have for ya, Leona, I wanted to notify you that I will be holding the product and repurposing it.”
Leona nodded. “I appreciate that, Fallon, but it’s completely yours. Better in your hands than theirs or Max’s. Take it.”
“Excellent. One more thing.” Fallon opened a drawer in her desk and pulled out a manila envelope. She dropped it in front of Leona. “This is for your hacker.”
Ciel perked up. Cas grabbed the file and handed it to him.
“What is it?” Leona asked as Ciel opened the envelope.
“Finn was able to trace some data on a shipping manifest back to some IP addresses. Hopefully enough to help you track down whatever techie Volpe has on his side.”
He read the first few papers, eyes widening, before he quietly said, “Thank you.”
Finn inclined his head. Fallon stood, and the rest of us did the same.
