“I can’t imagine Greene isn’t going to attempt some retribution for consorting with his daughter. Not to mention your efforts to run his mother out of her home.”

“He’s welcome to try. He will fail, however.”

“We can’t fight threats from all sides, Clay. Something has to give.”

Clay sighed and drank his coffee. Jack was right, of course. An illegal business could only poke so many hives before it was swarmed and destroyed. “Florence will never speak to me again, so that’s over. And the house issue is nearly finished. Bill has played his only hand and my lawyers had the charges dismissed.”

“You don’t think Florence will forgive you?”

“For trying to tear down her grandmother’s house? I cannot imagine that to be a forgivable offense.”

“Was it worth it?”

Clay couldn’t meet Jack’s knowing gaze. He stared at his coffee instead. “It will be once I open the casino on Seventy-Ninth Street.”

“Liar. You’ll miss her.”

“Regardless, I knew this was coming. Her hatred was the inevitable conclusion to this little drama.”

“You are a grim bastard,” Jack said as he stood. “Get some sleep. You’re making me tired just looking at you.”

“Madden?”

Clay angled toward the doorway. Pete, the front doorman, waited. “Yes?”

“You have a man here to see you. I told him you weren’t available but he said you’d want to see him.”

“Who is it?”

“Mr. Duncan Greene.”

Clay dragged a hand down his face. He felt a hundred years old today. No sleep. No food. Still in last night’s clothing. Couldn’t this wait?

Get it over with. Then you can move on and forget her.

“I’ll see him.”

“I’m coming with you,” Jack said. “You’re in no shape to engage in another round of fisticuffs. You look worse than I did after that title bout in Coney Island.”

“He’s not going to attack me.” Clay groaned as he pushed to his feet. Christ Almighty. He was going to sleep for a week after this.

“I’m not taking any chances. If Bill could best you, then Duncan Greene has more than a fighting chance.”

“Fine. Show him up to my office, Pete.”

“Will do, sir.”

Pete disappeared and Clay headed upstairs. His gait was stiff and he could sense Jack’s impatience behind him. Jack remained silent, thank God, leaving Clay to struggle at his own pace. When they reached the office, Clay lowered himself behind the desk and Jack stood at his side.

They didn’t wait long.

Wearing a satisfied smirk, Duncan entered when Pete opened the door. Florence’s father carried a satchel, which he placed on the floor after he sat down. The door closed and Clay got right to the point.

“Why are you here, Greene?”

“How was the rest of your evening?” Duncan asked, looking pleased with himself. “Have a nice sojourn at police headquarters?”