Shamrocks and Secrets by Cayce Poponea Read Free Book Online Page A

work in, as well as the banquet hall next door."
    "You bought that building? I thought Charlotte owned it."
    "No, it was actually owned by a rival family, I bought it with one of my ghost companies. They weren't being very professional with Charlotte and I don't tolerate those kinds of actions."
    I wasn't about to ask him what had happened, it clearly was not my business. I did find it odd that he didn't like bad business; he was in the Mafia after all.
    "Tell me, Christi, do you enjoy working for Ms. Charlotte?"
    “What , no nicknames for her?"
    He chuckled and then took a drink of his wine. "No, I'm certain Ms. Charlotte would have me dragged by my shorthairs if I gave her a nickname."
    I began to laugh along with him. He was correct about her being tough. I had learned a great deal from her when it came to handling people.
    "My grandfather, whom I'm named after, taught me his rules for business. I've lived them since I took over for my da. He and my da have taught me more lessons by watching them than any college class I ever attended."
    "You went to college?"
    He again began to laugh, "Does that surprise you? I went to Yale, actually."
    "I'm sorry, that was quite rude of me. I did just stereotype you, didn't I?"
    He looked at me very seriously as he leaned into me and whispered, "Yes, you did, Legs, but you can make it up to me by having a drink with me."
    I let the nickname pass for now. After all, I did just insult him. It wouldn't be that big of a deal to have another glass of wine with him. However, I should have known that he would want to go to a different place to have the agreed drink.
    Our waiter appeared again and Patrick slipped him what I believed to be a large amount of money. He helped me with my chair and once again we were in the limo.
    Patrick began to type on his cell phone and never once told the driver where we were going. It was almost as if this had all been pre-planned.
    The drive was only a few blocks, and we honestly could have walked. However, being in heels and a dress, I was glad we didn't.
    The building we pulled up to I recognized immediately as being Pieces , the new club in the downtown area. I avoided downtown, certain areas simply were not safe. Tonight though, the thought of my safety wasn't a concern. I knew Patrick could and would protect me.
    The club was housed in an old warehouse that had been on the mayor's list of 'make our city beautiful' restorations. The city offered huge tax breaks to anyone who would take over the buildings, make repairs, and open businesses. I had read that the O ’ Leary Foundation had come in and fixed up several buildings and I wondered if this was one of them. The entrance to the building was impressive. There were two massive oak doors with " Pieces " written in dark green and outlined in gold.
    I had been so busy taking in the sight of the building that I had failed to notice Allyson and Ryan Donnelly standing just outside of the limo. I smiled and Allyson pulled me into a tight hug.
    "Oh, my goodness, it's such a pleasure to see you again, Mrs . Donnelly."
    "Oh, Christi, it's Allyson to you."
    "Very well, Allyson"
    It was then that I noticed Patrick's entourage had joined us. Black suits now surrounded Allyson and myself.
    "Christi, I have someone I need to speak with, can I leave you to visit with Allyson for a few minutes?"
    Before I could assure him I would be fine, Allyson did the honor s.
    "Oh, don't worry about us, we'll just catch up, just find us a table," Allyson waved her hand dismissively at Patrick .
    Patrick shocked me when he reached down and took my hand in his, leading me into the building.
    Once inside, I noticed that the place looked like an old Irish pub straight out of Ireland. The bar was long and glossy, made of a beautiful oak-stained wood. The brass footboard glistened in the lights that illuminated from the ceiling. The bar was packed and I didn't think we would find a table. I blushed as man after man looked toward Allyson