Law of the Irish Read online

  The Law of the Irish

  Ezra Dawn

  Cover art created by JeB Designs

  [email protected]

  Formatted by Integrity Formatting

  The Law of the Irish © 2018 Ezra Dawn

  eBook ISBN: 9780463420812

  ISBN-13: 9781719929257

  All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced in any form or by any means without express permission from the copyright holder. This book contains sexually explicit content which is suitable only for mature adults.

  Character Name Pronunciation

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Epilogue

  Note from the Author

  Excerpt ~ The Leopard's Twin Troubles

  Playlists

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  Other books by Ezra Dawn

  Contact the Author

  Mickey O’Rourke

  Justice J. Taylor

  For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a part of the Irish mob. I’ve always followed in my father’s footsteps even when I didn’t have any idea where those footsteps would lead. To me, my father was the greatest man in the world. He’d walk into a room and every person there would stop what they were doing just to greet him. He commanded respect. I remember thinking when I grow up, I want to be just like him. My father was the leader of the mob. The big boss. Nothing ever happened without his say so and if it did? Well, you’d better hope it was something he would’ve approved of and that he got his share of the profits otherwise you’d be at the bottom of a river somewhere with cement bricks tied to your ankles.

  At eight years old, I began my journey into the mob. At first, I just followed my father around like a puppy. Where he went, I went. Then, one day we went for a walk and when we reached our destination my father turned to me and said, “Son, one day all of this is going to be yours. You’re going to own Boston kid and I think it’s time you knew what that meant.”

  At thirteen I killed for the first time. The man was an accountant my father had accused of skimming off the top. By the age of seventeen I was fully immersed in the life. At eighteen my father was killed in a war between the families and I took over as the new head of the Irish mob. It’s been mine ever since. Now someone is making a play for my throne and I’m going to have to think outside the box if I want to find out who. It’s not going to be easy but it’s something I have to do. I refuse to let some asshole destroy everything my family has worked so hard to build.

  “We have to do something boss. These bastards are escalating. We’ve already lost two guys. How many more will we lose before you do something about it?!”

  I take a sip of my scotch and level Bruno with a glare. The idiot has always been a hothead. He’s good to have around when you need back up during a fight, but his brain is the size of a pea. I’d say he’s stupider than a rock at the best of times, but that would be an insult to the rock. “Listen to me Bruno. I can’t just go off halfcocked like some rookie with a death wish. We have no idea who these guys are or where they’re coming from. I know we’ve lost two guys already and I’m sorry about that, but I’ve got people on it gathering intel. I can’t do anything without information and you know it.”

  He sighs and says, “I get it boss. I apologize for disrespecting you like that. We all know you’re doing your best.”

  “Apology accepted. Try to reign in that temper of yours yeah? I’d hate to have to kill you.”

  Bruno turns white as a sheet and nods. “Yes boss.”

  I tilt my head towards the door and say, “Get out of here then.”

  He makes a quick exit and I try not to laugh. My head of security walks in with a smile on his face. “You shouldn’t mess with him like that. The man probably thinks you’re going to strike him down at any moment now.”

  “I couldn’t help myself. It’s too easy. Did you see his face? He looked like he’d seen a ghost.”

  Callahan laughs and says, “No offense boss but you’re a sadist.”

  I shrug. “I take that as a compliment. Now, let’s get down to business. What did you find?”

  He places a file on my desk and says, “It’s an inside job.”

  “What?! That can’t be right!”

  “I’m sorry boss but it is. I know how much you love each and every one of us but someone within our ranks is out to get you. I’m not sure why but I’ve got a few guys working on it. We’ll figure it out.”

  “You don’t think it’s because of that do you?”

  He shakes his head. “I doubt it. You’ve been out for a long time. Your father didn’t have a problem with it. Most likely because you’re even more vicious than he was so I doubt anyone would have a problem with it now. There has to be another reason.”

  “Guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

  Callahan nods and says, “What we need is a plan.”

  “I think I might have an idea but it’s insane.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “You know there’s no one I trust more than you. You’re my second in command but you’re doubling as my head of security because I haven’t found anyone I want to put in the position.”

  He tilts his head and says, “I’m not sure I understand where you’re going with this.”

  “This is the insane part. What if we bring in someone new but qualified for my head of security? A fresh set of eyes on the situation might be just what we need. We’re too involved to see who is telling the truth and who is lying to our faces, so bringing in someone who is completely unattached is the perfect solution.”

  “You’ve lost your damn mind. Bringing in a stranger for your head of security? That’s the dumbest shit I’ve ever heard!”

  “But it could work. You spread the word and vet each applicant before sending them to me. I’ll make the final decision. In the end it’ll be about picking someone I’m sure I can trust. I know it’s insane, but you have to admit it’s crazy enough to work.”

  He sighs and says, “Okay, fine, but we’re going to screen every applicant. That means, interviews, background checks the works. By the time I’m done with them I’ll know everything about them right down to their favorite breakfast cereal. If they pass my process, I’ll send them to you but only if they pass.”

  “Got it. So, do we know what we’re looking for?”

  “Well, we definitely want someone with some kind of training. I’m not leaving your security to some noob.”

  “So, you’re thinking military background?”

  He nods. “At least.”

  “What else?”

  “Well, I’ll look into criminal history. I’m not too worried about what they’ve done as long as it doesn’t involve sexual assault. I know how you feel about that sort of thing. We also don’t want a full-blown psychopath either, so I’ll look into mental health as well. Other than that, the screening process is just to weed out those we can trust and those we can’t.”

  I nod and say, “Sounds good. Spread the word. This might cause an uproar within the ranks so make sure those with issues about my decision are sent to me. I’ll take care of it.”

  “Sure thing, boss.”

  Before he exits the office, he turns to me and says, “You know, this plan will give
law enforcement an opportunity to infiltrate our ranks.”

  “I know. It’s a risk I’m willing to take. Besides, I’m sure we can bring them round to our way of thinking if they do manage to get in.”

  “I hope you’re right, boss.”

  “So, do I. Now, get going.”

  He nods, and exits the room, leaving me to wonder if I’m making a mistake. I’m sure if my father were here, he’d be kicking my ass for even suggesting the idea, but it’s the only option I have left. Whoever it is that’s working behind the scenes to push me out of my position as boss, is damn good at hiding their movements. They’ve already killed two of my best guys and I have a feeling there will be more in the future if I don’t stop them. Thinking back, this plan might come back to bite me in the ass. Especially, when my men find out. They aren’t going to be happy and I could be playing right into the enemy’s hands by doing this. I know by the end of this, I’ll have probably sent my men to the enemy’s side. But, if it works the way I expect it to, then having so many people switch sides means that I can weed out exactly who is doing this. One man can be invisible, but an army can be seen for miles.

  Three years. Three years, I’ve been working on this case and I was this close to wrapping it up. This fucking close. Until my boss decided to pull me off for some unknown reason. I’m so pissed off right now I could spit nails or shoot someone’s eye out. Jesus, have I always been this violent? Nah, pretty sure that’s the anger talking. Still, I can’t believe my boss would pull this kind of shit. Granted, he’s my boss, he can do whatever he wants but risking three years of hard work to put me on some other assignment?

  Whatever it is, it had better be good otherwise I might have to take the high road and resign. I love working for the FBI, but this kind of bullshit is just uncalled for. After doing two tours in Afghanistan this job basically saved my ass. If I hadn’t become an agent, I don’t know where I’d be right now. When I came back stateside I had no idea what I was going to do with myself. The military was all I knew since I enlisted at eighteen and when I was wounded, suddenly everything I knew was gone.

  Sure, I still have my friends who served with me, but when I returned home, I had nothing I knew how to do. I was trained to be a soldier and I couldn’t be that anymore. When one of my buddies suggested I try going into law enforcement, the idea took hold and I ended up taking the agent training course for the FBI. I could’ve gone local and joined a SWAT team as a sniper but after spending eight years in Afghanistan doing just that, I decided I didn’t want to kill again unless I absolutely had to. Afghanistan left me with enough memories to have nightmares about and I didn’t want to add more to the pile. The PTSD from my time overseas was enough to deal with. I managed to pass the exam despite my PTSD diagnosis and I’ve been an agent ever since. Now, here I am almost ten years later and I’m thinking about quitting. It’s not a good thought.

  I knock on my boss’ door before entering. He looks up from the file on his desk and says, “Take a seat, Taylor.”

  I sit in one of the arm chairs across from his desk. “Why did you pull me off my case?”

  He steeples his fingers and says, “I’m sending you to Boston.”

  “Boston? Why?”

  “Why? Because we’ve been handed the opportunity of a lifetime and you’re our best agent.”

  “What do you mean by opportunity of a lifetime?”

  “Mickey O’Rourke just threw open the doors to his organization. He’s looking to the outside for a new head of security and we’re sending you in. No one even knows what he looks like. This is the chance of a lifetime. Pack your bags. You’re going undercover. Since this is something that happened out of the blue we didn’t have time to create an elaborate cover for you, so you’ll be using your real name and background. However, there will be no record of you being an agent should they go looking for it.”

  “You’re fucking serious?! This is Mickey O’Rourke we’re talking about here! Irish mob Mickey O’Rourke. Kill you as soon as look at you Mickey O’Rourke. Are you fucking insane?! You can’t send me in without a decent cover!”

  “We can, and we are. Look at it this way, they’re more likely to trust you if they find out your background is legitimate.”

  “Fine but you owe me big time for this one.”

  “You take down Mickey O’Rourke and his organization and you’ll be looking at a promotion. How’s that for big?”

  “When do I leave?”

  “Right now. You’ll coordinate with another agent when you arrive but after that you’re on your own. As soon as you have enough evidence for us to nail him and everyone who works with him you get out of there.”

  “Got it.”

  He nods and says, “Best get going then. Your flight leaves in an hour.”

  He passes me the ticket along with the case file and says, “Good luck Agent Taylor.”

  I take the ticket from him and say, “Thanks.”

  Exiting the office, I make my way to the airport. There’s no need for me to pack, I’ve been living out of duffel bags and hotel rooms for the past three years, so I’ve already got everything I need. Anything else I’ll pick up when I get there. Hopefully, they set me up with a safe house this time. I’m sick of hotels. Guess I’ll find out soon enough.

  Once at the airport, I grab my bags and make my way through security. By the time I get through the long line, they’re already calling for my flight to board. On the plane, I’m directed to business class where I’m seated next to some angry businessman who is cursing someone out on his earpiece before they make us turn our phones off. Stowing my carry-on, I take my seat, trying not to wince as my long legs are forced to be bunched against the seat in front of me. Figures. The office never splurges for their agents. The least they could do for sending me undercover at the last minute is give me a first-class ticket.

  Buckling my seatbelt, I flip open the case file and read up on everything the bureau has on Mickey O’Rourke. It isn’t much. They have a number of things they’re pretty sure he’s into, but no one has ever been able to get close enough to snap a picture or get evidence of his illegal dealings. Because the guy is a bigwig, I’m sure his driver’s license and passport have been procured under aliases. If he even has them. If there were any DMV records for Mickey we’d have a photo of him, but the guy is good and has been covering his tracks for years.

  Basically, the file is a few sheets of paper listing everything he’s been suspected of doing but never been connected to. It also lists his known associates who we don’t seem to have many photos of either. It’s almost like chasing a ghost. Sighing, I close the file and drop it on the tray in front of me. This case isn’t going to be easy. Hell, there’s a chance I may not even get the security position. Fuck, my boss is an idiot for sending me in without a decent cover. My own background might not be enough to get me through the door. Guess the bureau is willing to take that chance. Resting my head against the seat, I close my eyes for a bit, trying to get a little rest before I have to hit the ground running and dive straight into my role as an undercover agent.

  When the plane lands a few hours later, I make my way through security and find someone waiting for me with my name on a sign. Following that person to an Escalade waiting out front, I toss my bags in the back and climb in the backseat. Another agent is sitting there, and I ask, “Are you going to be my contact?”

  “Yes.”

  He hands me a cell phone and says, “This will be your means of communication. I’m number one on the speed dial and the only contact in the phone. It can’t be traced so use it to gather evidence. Take pictures of anything incriminating you find and send them to me. Since this isn’t your traditional undercover operation, you’ll be going in alone. You won’t have any back-up until we have warrants and can make arrests. So, don’t get yourself into a situation where you need back-up because you’ll die. We also can’t send you in with any hidden cameras or a wire because they’ll screen for that sort of thing and you’ll be
dead as soon as you walk in there. If you can, use your phone to record conversations but don’t risk your life to do it. Play it safe, this is our one chance to take down Mickey O’Rourke so don’t do anything reckless that would put you in the line of fire and risk losing any evidence you might’ve gathered.”

  “What makes you think I’ll even get in?”

  “If you don’t then we’re back to square one with our investigation.”

  The agent hands me a manila envelope as the Escalade comes to a stop. “This is all the information for your safehouse. Alarm codes, keys, paperwork that says it’s in your name and anything else to keep your cover as real as possible. There’re bank cards, keys to a car we’ve provided so that we can tap into the GPS and track your location, money, a fake I.D and a new passport in case you need to get away in a hurry. We’ve sent an application in your name and listed the phone number to your burner as contact information. All you have to do is show up when they call.”

  The driver opens the door for me and the agent says, “Good luck, Agent Taylor,” as I step out and retrieve my bags. When the Escalade drives off, I open the envelope and grab the keys to my new house. Unlocking the door, I use the code provided to shut off the alarm and drop my bags in the entryway. Looking around the place, I see the sparse furnishings associated with a safehouse. Sighing, I rub a hand over my face and say to myself, “Welcome home.”

  “How many applicants do we have so far, Callahan?”

  He looks at his notes and says, “Twenty sir.”

  I raise an eyebrow at him. “Really? I thought there would be more than that.”

  “Well, you are quite intimidating.”

  “That is true. So, how many of them have you vetted?”

  “None yet sir. Tomorrow is the last day we’ll be accepting applicants so I’m waiting to see if any more trickle in before I start vetting them.”

  “That’s understandable. Any backlash?”

  “A few of the older more loyal members are a bit peeved at being passed over for head of security but they understand you’re the boss and your word is law. The younger members are the wild cards. The ones we need to watch out for. They’re pissed that you’re bringing in an outsider at such a high position when most of them have been here for years and are vying for positions themselves.”