Page 27 of Luca
Was this a test? Or an actual warning? As the judge, Elizabeth’s role was to oversee proceedings fairly. I’d always believed she did that, but now I sensed I might be wrong, and I didn’t like the direction this was heading.
“Claire, sometimes the law has to bend. The Rominovs are significant players in this city, and so are their enemies. You need to tread carefully. You don’t want their enemies to become yours. I expect you to take this matter seriously.” Her voice dropped to a low, conspiratorial tone, making my skin prickle.
“Of course, I will,” I replied. “I always look out for my client’s best interests.”
Her gaze softened slightly. “You always do, Claire. You’ve made your mother proud. But remember, sometimes the law doesn’t work as it should. Evidence can be manipulated, and alliances can shift. You never know who might come knocking when the stakes get high, or what might be required of you.”
“Are you suggesting I break the law?” I shot back, feeling my defensiveness rise.
She raised a hand. “No, no! I’m not implying that at all. I simply want you to be aware of the larger picture. Understand how things operate. Know that the outcome is sometimes beyond our control and there are times when it is prudent to extract yourself from problematic situations.”
I swallowed hard, sensing the weight of her words. “Thank you for your advice, but I assure you I will remain ethical and I have no intention of withdrawing my help in this case.”
“Very well, Claire. Just remember, it’s a dangerous game we play. Protect yourself,” she stated firmly, before returning to the corridor.
Staring after her, I frowned, unable to fully grasp the meaning behind her veiled warnings. A knot tightened in my stomach. What was she really suggesting? Could I trust her? For the first time in my life, I doubted it. The weight of her words lingered, making me question everything I believed about the justice I was fighting for.
After a moment to collect myself, I returned to my office, my heart racing with renewed determination. I had to protect Luca and ensure he was exonerated—whatever it took.
CHAPTER 16
LUCA
LATER THE SAME DAY - MAKING NEW ALLIES
As we stepped into the cell, Sean claimed the lower bunk like he owned it, while Finley leaned against the wall by the door, his arms crossed, casual but watchful. They both looked relaxed, but I wasn’t about to let my guard down. I’d seen plenty of men smile right before they stabbed you in the back. I stayed by the door, feet planted, my hands loose at my sides, ready for anything. Sean’s easy smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. I could respect that; life was dangerous in our world, and trust took time to build. He’d be measuring me up just as much as I was him.
“Here’s the deal. We came from Northern Ireland a few months back, my dad’s looking to carve out some territory in London now that there’s a bit of an opening, if you know what I mean,” he grinned.
“Our mutual friend Jim MacArthur clued him up on things and told him you’d been remanded and would need some help in here. We’re both on remand ourselves for a bit of a scuffle, but this isn’t our first time in the nick. So, Jim asked us to keep an eye on you.”
Nodding slowly, I crossed my arms, my gaze sharp. “Uh huh, and what’s in it for you, exactly? Not that I don’t appreciate it of course.”
Sean didn’t even hesitate. “Simple. My dad wants an introduction to your pakhan. Make the intro, and we’ve got your back.”
My gaze shifted between the two of them. An introduction to Miki? That could be arranged easily enough. As for the ‘opening’ Sean had hinted at, he wasn’t wrong. We still needed someone to take over the remnants of the drug trade we’d inherited after we took down the Malia Boys and Broxys. And if Jim vouched for them? Maybe the O’Briens were exactly what we needed.
“Jim planned on doing the honours, but when he heard of your predicament, he thought us having your back might be a good way for us to prove our worth, so to speak. Get us an intro, put in a good word, and your ass is safe while you are in here. Otherwise…” Finn’s smirk widened, but the edge in his voice was clear.
The way he let that sentence hang in the air? It wasn’t just a joke; it was a test. My fists clenched, ready for whatever came next. I wasn’t some scared newbie they could intimidate. If they wanted to play games, I’d be more than happy to show them just how dangerous I could be.
Sean let out a sharp laugh, breaking the tension. “Finn, stop messing with him!”
Finn’s face split into a cheeky grin, and he winked.
“We do want that intro, but don’t worry. Your ass is safe, mate. Just… maybe don’t drop the soap in the shower. You’re a pretty boy, Finn here might take a liking to it,” Sean said grinning, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Feck off!” Finn snorted, before good naturedly punching Sean in the arm.
Their back-and-forth eased the tension, and I couldn’t help but chuckle under my breath. They had the look of trouble, sure, but my gut told me there was something genuine beneath all the bravado. Maybe I wasn’t as alone in here as I’d thought. With these two watching my back, I might just get through this.
“Done!” I said, sticking my hand out.
“So, Finn and me, like to do a bit of bare knuckle boxing. You got any good Russian fighters on your team? We should set up a match,” Sean said.
“One or two. I’m sure Vlad would be up for a round with one of you. Pretty sure he’d wipe the floor with you in seconds too,” I teased, though I wasn’t sure I was wrong. Vlad was one hell of a fighter.
“Sounds like a challenge to me, Sean,” Finn said.