Raider followed, his boots snapping straw and hay as he stepped inside to see the tractor, empty stalls, and a myriad of tools lined neatly on one wall just as they’d been the night before.

In a surprisingly graceful move, Sean grabbed a shovel leaning against a post, turned, and swung it at Raider’s head.

Raider ducked, out of pure instinct, and the metal brushed his hair. He jumped back. “What the hell, man?” It was a sad testament to his training that his accent came out just like he’d grown up on the streets of New York.

Sean held the shovel with both hands, his stance set. “Who the hell are you?”

Raider forced himself into character. “I’m your daughter’s fiancé.”

“Right. Maybe so, but that’s not why you’re here.” Sean tapped one part of the handle against his left hand. “Start talking, or I’ll take off your head. Brigid will be pissed, but she ain’t marrying you.”

Raider took another step back. If Sean swung again, he’d have to take the shovel, and he didn’t want to hurt Brigid’s father. “Fine. I have an organization that needs your connections.” He held up a hand as Sean’s chin lowered. “All I need is an introduction to the Coonans. Nothing more.”

Sean’s eyes glittered an angry emerald. “Who the hell are the Coonans?”

Nice try. Raider forced a scoff. “I have your police records and rap sheet. It helps to have friends in high places.” His smile even felt dirty. “I know you were an enforcer with the Coonans, and I know you’re still in contact with them. Introduce me, vouch for my organization, and I’ll never bug you again.”

Sean’s nostrils flared. “And Brigid?”

“I like her. Am happy to marry her.” The next words burned through Raider’s throat. “If you want me gone after the introduction, I’ll be gone. But she likes me. If this new enterprise goes well, I can make her a very wealthy woman. Give her anything she wants.”

Sean snarled. “I haven’t talked to the Coonans in two decades. There is no reason under God’s green earth that I’d reach out to them, and they’d know that. You’d be dead the second you showed for a meeting. You stupid sonofabitch.”

The man was lying. There was no question Jonny and Josh had visited the farm at least twice. Why? “I don’t think you understand the connections I have,” Raider drawled.

Sean’s face turned a motley red. “Did you have this enterprise in mind before or after you met my daughter?”