C2

Sawyer Brennan

"Look at this place," Declan Sullivan says. He stands by the busy kitchen doors inside Brennan's Reserve Restaurant. "Every single Capo Council Booth is packed tonight. The Brennan Syndicate is making huge pack resources from this spot."

"Good," Sawyer Brennan says. He adjusts his dark suit jacket. "The Brennan Mafia Syndicate needs our operations looking sharp. If the other Competing Crime Organizations look at us, they must see power."

"The boys are doing great," Declan Sullivan nods toward the kitchen runners. "Every single trusted runner is moving fast."

"Ethan Murphy," Sawyer Brennan barks out loud. He points a long finger at a young family associate. "Come here right now."

"Yes, Mr Brennan?" Ethan Murphy walks over fast. He holds a heavy silver tray.

"Your black tie is messed up," Sawyer Brennan says with a cold voice. "Fix it. The Brennan Criminal Consortium does not allow sloppy men in this house."

"Yes, sir," Ethan Murphy says. His hands shake while he fixes the cloth around his neck. "Thank you, sir."

Sawyer Brennan nods once. He watches the young man hurry away toward the tables. Then the big front doors click open.

"Look at that," Declan Sullivan whispers.

Two men walk into the room. The first guy is Jack Donovan. He walks in like he owns the whole city block. He looks proud. But the young man walking behind him is totally different. It is Sean O'Shea, the Hidden Syndicate Heiress of the O'Shea Crime Family. Sean looks down at his boots. His big, broad shoulders are tense. He pulls hard at his tight black shirt. He looks totally scared and wants to hide from the bright lights.

"He looks amazing," Sawyer Brennan says. His heart beats super fast. "He belongs right here."

Maeve Fitzgerald walks over to them. She is the Front House Manager. She leads the guests across the crowded room. She puts them at a big table. Another young associate named Boone Callahan is already sitting there. Jack Donovan sits down and smiles widely at Boone. Sean O'Shea sits down very slowly. He looks clumsy and nervous.

"Hey," Sean O'Shea says to Boone. He tries to smile.

Boone Callahan does not even look up from his bright phone screen. He just moves his thumb fast. Jack Donovan starts whispering secrets into Boone's ear. Sean sits all by himself. He looks tiny even though he is huge. He keeps folding his white cloth napkin over and over. His thick thighs press together tightly.

"That guy is a total dummy," Sawyer Brennan growls low. His fist clenches hard. "He does not deserve to sit next to a founding bloodline."

Sawyer Brennan walks across the room. He stops right behind Sean's chair. He places one large hand on the wood. He smells Sean's skin. It smells like sweet vanilla and clean rain from the O'Shea Bakery & Café.

"Is everything perfect tonight?" Sawyer Brennan asks. His voice is deep and heavy.

Sean O'Shea jumps up a little bit. His big blue eyes get very wide. He looks up at Sawyer like he is seeing a ghost. His thick neck turns bright red.

"Oh," Sean stammers. His voice shakes. "Hi. Yes."

"Your drink is untouched," Sawyer Brennan says. He looks at the clear water glass. "Let me get you something much better. Something special for a man like you."

"No," Sean says softly. His lips tremble. "It is totally fine."

"I insist," Sawyer Brennan says.

He takes the glass away. He walks behind the long, shiny bar. His hands move fast. He mixes strong pear juice and sweet liquor. He pours it into a heavy glass. He adds a small, round fruit on top. He walks back and sets it down right in front of Sean.

"Try this," Sawyer Brennan says.

Sean takes a small sip. His face lights up fast. "This is great!"

"I am glad," Sawyer Brennan smiles.

He walks away to talk to another Capo at the next table. A few minutes later, Sean O'Shea and Jack Donovan stand up. They walk away to go to the Private Lounge Suite to wash their hands. Boone Callahan and the other guy stay at the table. Sawyer Brennan steps into the dark shadows near them. He listens to their talk.

"Man, Jack," Boone Callahan laughs meanly. "Sean is totally huge. He is like a giant house. I cannot believe you brought a fat guy for me."

"Shut up," his friend says back. "Big guys are easy. They feel bad about themselves, so they do whatever you want. You can just use him tonight and then dump him in the trash tomorrow. He will just be happy you touched him."

"True," Boone grins. "Maybe I will get wild with him later."

Sawyer Brennan feels a huge fire in his chest. His eyes turn very dark. He steps out of the shadows. He looks like a monster. He slams both hands down on the table. The plates rattle loudly.

"Get out," Sawyer Brennan spits out. His voice sounds like thunder. "Right now."

"What?" Boone blinks, scared.

"You two pieces of trash are done," Sawyer Brennan says. His teeth click together. "If you ever show your faces in the Brennan District again, my family enforcers will throw you into the river. Leave before I break your bones."