Those two should just get a room and get it over with. Raider refrained from making the comment and instead gestured Sean forward. “If you like our ride, just wait until you see our offices.” Just how hard was he going to have to go at the guy to get the journal?

* * *

As a mob house, the mansion in Marblehead had a surprising country-family feel, with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. Brigid sat in a cozy home office with fireplace, view of a wide stone terrace that led down to the water, and comfortable furnishings. Everything was nice but not over-the-top.

“Are you sure I can’t get you anything?” Eddie Coonan asked again from the leather chair that was across a sofa table from her own.

“I don’t think so. This is my first kidnapping,” she said, tugging down her now dry T-shirt picturing the cast of The Big Bang Theory. Her leggings were dry, but her bare feet still hadn’t warmed up.

Eddie grinned. He had to be in his early forties, with black hair, blunt features, and a flattened nose. He looked like one of those boxers from the early twentieth century, but intelligence shone in his deep blue eyes, and his diction sounded educated. There was something slightly off about the guy, but she couldn’t place what. “We’ll have to make it a good kidnapping, then.”

A chill slithered down her spine, and she hid it. “Did our fathers really work together?” Maybe if she could find common ground with him, he wouldn’t want to torture or kill her. Her mind kept making logical plans while her body heated and chilled, sending anxiety through her limbs. The disconnect was probably due to shock, but even knowing that fact didn’t help her grab onto reality. So she went with what she had. “Were they friends?”

Eddie nodded. “Yeah. Your dad was a hell of an enforcer, believe me. I was just getting into the business then, after college, when he met your mom and decided he wanted out.” Eddie leaned forward. “Truth be told, I think it hurt my dad’s feelings. They were tight.”

She didn’t want to know what her father had done as an enforcer. As a dad, he’d been distant but loving. He’d done his best. “Something tells me people don’t just walk away from your, ah, organization.”

“Good insight,” Eddie said, reaching for a crystal glass of what smelled like whiskey, even across the table. He took a taste, swirled it around, and then set it down to pour a second glass. He nudged it across the table and gestured with his head for her to take it. Her hand shook, but she did so. He lifted his glass. “To our fathers.”

She clinked her glass with his and took a small sip. Warmth slid down her throat. She took another drink, just to warm up. “This is so strange.”