Nathan looked at the scene he’d created, almost as if he was standing outside looking in, like someone else had committed the horrific act. He was covered in blood. It was as sobering as an ice bath. The realization of what he’d done began to sink in. He’d killed Tommy McNulty. His mentor. His friend. The Boss. There was no one to help him cover it up. No one to get rid of his clothes or the body for him like they usually would. He couldn’t trust anyone with this, not even Ben. He realized there was only one person he could trust with his life, the only person who could save him.

Grace.

He cleaned himself up as best as he could, careful not to leave any bloody prints behind. Returning the knife to his pocket and putting his coat on, he zipped it up in an attempt to hide his bloodstained clothes. Leaving by the back entrance, he ran to his car, making sure no one saw him. He drove home as quickly as he could. He had to make certain he came out of the situation on top. He needed to plan his next move. Of course, there would be some people who would suspect it was him and if they were stupid enough to say that out loud, he would shut them up permanently without a second’s thought. But most people would think it was a rival firm. Tommy had plenty of enemies, and everyone knew how close he and Nathan were, how Tommy treated him like a son.

Nathan had built a fearsome reputation of his own. Anyone who knew the score would keep their mouths shut even if they did suspect him. Nathan was sure of that. Even the police wouldn’t fall over themselves trying to solve Tommy’s murder. This was how it always had to end for people like Tommy. If you lived by violence and intimidation, then you died that way too. It was just the way their world worked.

Nathan would shout louder than anyone that they needed to avenge Tommy’s murder. He would break bones and bust heads open in the name of seeking revenge. No one except Grace would ever know the truth, and as Tommy’s right-hand man, Nathan would be the natural choice to take his place. This could all work out well for him, if he could just convince Grace to help him.

Chapter Forty-Nine

Grace was clearing up the breakfast things. She smiled when she heard Jake laughing at the cartoons he was watching in the living room. He was such a good boy, so sweet and thoughtful. She heard the front door open, signalling Nathan’s return home.

‘Grace, I need you,’ he said, sticking his head into the kitchen. ‘Now!’