Nathan shrugged. ‘As far as I can figure out, Grace has Patrick and Michael on her payroll, if you can believe that,’ he snorted. ‘But not the twins. I heard they’ve just started working with Kevin Mitchell, but he wouldn’t dare order a hit on me. He hasn’t got the balls. Grace and Michael might have had a bit of a thing years ago, although she denies it. But even if they did, there’s no major issue there between us. Michael and Patrick wouldn’t start a war over a woman. They’re not that fucking stupid. The twins are a different story though. Me and Ste had a bit of a kick off with them the other week. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time, but the pair of them took a bit of a pasting. Obviously, they have very fragile egos.’

Ben downed his whisky in one gulp and shook his head. ‘Fucking hell, mate.’

‘Anyway, that’s why I phoned you. It’s strange that no one seems to know anything. It could even be an inside job. They knew exactly where I’d be. I don’t know who I can trust. So, I’m trusting no one on this. Except you, and John.’

Ben looked at him like he’d grown another head. ‘But, what can I do?’

‘If I can’t find the twins, then I’ll settle for the next best thing. I just need you to have my back, mate.’

Ben nodded. ‘Of course. I always have, haven’t I?’

They were interrupted by the vibration of Nathan’s mobile phone on the desk. John Brennan’s name flashed on the screen.

‘Yeah?’ Nathan answered.

‘I’ve found him, boss.’

‘Good. I’ll be there as soon as,’ he said as he stood up. Grabbing his coat from the back of the chair, he nodded to Ben. ‘Time to get to work, big fella.’

Chapter Forty-Five

Taking her phone from her handbag on the passenger seat, Grace saw it was Sean Carter calling.

‘Hey, Sean,’ she said.

‘Grace. You need to come down to the Royal. It’s my dad. He’s in intensive care.’

A chill ran down her spine. ‘I’m on my way,’ she said and ended the call. She didn’t want to waste valuable time asking what had happened, she could find that out when she got to the hospital. But she already knew it was something to do with Nathan and the failed attempt on his life. Her heart raced as she started the ignition. Poor Pat. What had that bastard done to him?

Grace arrived at the hospital and saw Patrick’s sons, Sean, who stood ashen-faced outside the intensive care unit, and Michael, pacing up and down cursing under his breath.

‘What happened?’ Grace asked as she hugged Sean.