Eddie finished his glass. “It’s the new age of the mob. Our businesses are virtual, and we rarely get our hands dirty. Even a simple kidnapping can be civil, and death can be rendered quickly.” His eyes gleamed. “I’m a good friend to have, Brigid.”

She had enough friends. But she forced a smile, anyway. She knew more about the guy than he realized, and his hands were incredibly dirty. The ticking clock over her head nearly drove her crazy, but she fought to stay in character. “Your men just blew up my dad’s barn. Then one guy shot my dad.” Although he was still moving, so it obviously hadn’t been fatal. “But, my fiancé wants to work with you, so maybe this all will turn out okay.” If Eddie thought she wanted something from him, or that she was okay dating a criminal, then maybe he wouldn’t be worried she’d go to the police.

“I’ve looked into your fiancé.” Eddie sat back and crossed his legs in perfectly pressed black slacks. A crisp white button-down shirt covered his wide chest. “The guy has a past but seems to make money. A lot of blood on his hands.”

Had they overdone the cover identity? “He’s civilized now,” Brigid said. “Uses computers somehow.”

“And how do you fit in?” Eddie asked, looking her over.

She barely shoved away a shiver. “I don’t understand a lot of it, but I can make a good website. With pretty colors and a nice design.” Lying about her abilities burned her throat almost as much as her fear of the mob. “But he doesn’t usually need that, so I just freelance when I get the chance.”

A phone buzzed, saving her from trying to sound like an airhead any longer.

Eddie drew it out from his pocket and set it on the table between them before swiping across the face. “Eddie Coonan.”

“This is Raider Times. Where’s my woman?” Raider’s voice came through low and hoarse with that New York accent he’d used before.

Her heart leapt, and all the sound roared in, taking her away from the haze of shock. “Raider.” She leaned forward and only inched back when Eddie’s gaze narrowed. “I’m okay. Not hurt.”

“Good. Because if you’re hurt, I’ll burn the entire Coonan organization to the ground,” he growled. Then his voice smoothed out. “However, if you’re all right, then maybe Eddie and I can talk some business. I believe there’s a journal you’d really like to get your hands on, Coonan.”

Eddie’s legs uncrossed, and his eyes gleamed with something not quite right. “You have the journal?”

“Not yet, but I will soon. You don’t get it until Brigid is returned safely. One bruise, and I’ll destroy you.” The threat sounded real and freaking weird when made so calmly.