71 - Our son

Ronan O'Connor

"I think I can organize this for this week, godfather," Amanda says, analyzing the latest financial records of my businesses. I was increasingly certain she would be an excellent replacement for me in the near future.

"Alright, sweetheart," I replied. "You can go to the office with your brother. Rules are rules, even for you, cupcake."

Amanda looks at me with disdain and rolls her eyes. Since the Maranzanos set their sights on her, I’ve had to keep her under close watch. As soon as she leaves, Bear bursts into my office, panting. His mud-covered shoes soak my expensive carpet. I turn to face his bloodied, anxious face.

"You're dirtying my floor," I say, taking the cigar out of my mouth and staring at him.

He takes a deep breath and swallows hard before answering me. One of my most loyal men, Amanda’s father, and my oldest friend.

"Sorry, ‘Mr. Clean’," he says, laughing a bit and shrugging. "A woman showed up looking for you."

I raise my eyebrows, intrigued. Women never c