Chapter 1

Brendan wasn't sure how long he'd been gone. His best bet, it had been going on a year now. He'd finalized his divorce from Eileen, as well as spent some quality time with Declan. His son was his only weak spot. It was best that the wee lad was safe in Ireland with his mother... away from the hazards of his own life, mostly revolving around his own nefarious business deals. He had made the most of his time in Ireland. Not only had he resolved his personal business... but, he came back with his pockets much fuller. He had phoned Cheryl a week ago, telling her to draw up the papers to buy her half of the club. His next matter of business would be to oust Warren. He would manage that in time... and in his own way.

Walking towards the club, evening swiftly upon the village; Brendan quickly surmised that nothing had changed. He laughed to himself. Things were most likely about to change for a great many people. Brendan Brady was back. That in itself implied change. He couldn't wait to get started. First would be to get Cheryl's half of the club... then, he would work on Foxy. Warren Fox was what he considered to be small potatoes, but Foxy's business partner was anything but that. Danny Houston was a menace of the worse kind. Brendan had no intention of having a long term partnership with a man tied to Danny. The sooner Foxy was out the better.

Stepping into the club, Brendan's eyes casually scanned the room as he took a table in the far corner... deciding he would observe unobtrusively for as long as possible. He knew it wouldn't take long for him to be noticed and recognized. Brendan decided he'd take advantage of the opportunity for as long as it presented itself. His eyes flickered around in slight boredom as he took in all the customers and various staff members going about their business, a frown piercing his brow as his eyes fell on Jacqui making her way to his table. He hadn't been seated for two minutes and already he'd been found. As the man who would soon be her boss, he'd like to say it was efficiency that brought her so quickly... but, Brendan knew better. This one was catty and cunning. She had recognized him and was looking for the scoop. She would only learn what he wanted her to... that was the way with anyone. End of.

Jacqui stopped next to his table, tossing her hair behind her shoulder. "Well, if it isn't Brendan Brady. Slumming are you, love?"

Brendan looked her up and down, chewing his gum incessantly in the process. "Ya think? How about joining me for a drink and filling me in... on me, of course."

"Of course," she echoed. "Irish whiskey?"

Nodding, he sent her on her way. "Hurry along before I change my mind."

She rolled her eyes before moving to the bar, issuing the order to Rhys... knowing in an instant that Brendan hadn't changed. In fact, he was even more arrogant than ever. This should really be interesting, she thought. Looking to Cheryl seated at the end of the bar, she said, "Your brother just told me to join him for a drink. I guess I'm taking my break."

Cheryl gasped, turning around to look to the far corner... a smile spreading across her face. "Go on, then. Wouldn't want to keep Bren waiting." She smiled at Ste as he approached carrying a crate, watching as he sat it down on the bar. "How's it going tonight, Ste?""

"Made some good tips tonight, me. God knows I need it," Ste grumbled, as he began to unload the bottles into the small refrigeration unit.

"I know you're about due to get out of here... but, if you want a few extra hours, I could use the help. My brother just got back, and I'd like to spend some time with him..." Cheryl told him, both of them knowing she was offering more to help him out than in any dire need for his services.

Ste wasn't about to pass up the easy money, though. "Sure. I'll stay as long as you like. Thanks, Cheryl. You said brother. I thought he'd moved to Ireland. He's back?"

"Yeah. He's over at the corner table talking to Jacqui." She leaned forward to tell him in an almost conspiratorial fashion. "Between you and me, Brendan's buying my half of the club... so, he'll be your new boss very soon."

Ste's gaze moved towards the darkened corner, barely able to make him out. From what he could see, Brendan Brady looked fine indeed. "Wow. He's, well... wow."

Cheryl laughed. "Yeah, and he knows it." She looked at Ste in slight concern. "Just be careful around him, eh?"

"Careful? You saying he's dangerous?" Ste asked, looking once again at Brendan's table.

"Oh, he's so many things, Ste. Just do your job as you always do, and he shouldn't mess with you." She stood up from the bar, wanting to say so much more... yet, uncertain of how much she should say. "I'm going to go catch up with him... and get Jacqui back to work."

Ste nodded as he watched her walk away, his breath catching in his throat as his gaze connected with Brendan's. Even in the darkened room, he could see Brendan's eyes slide over him... assessing him, and more. The more he was uncertain about. Yes, there was danger in those penetrating eyes. Ste decided Cheryl's warnings were most likely founded in truth. He didn't know why, but he had the feeling he would be learning about that very soon.

They had been talking for about fifteen minutes when Cheryl had enough of Brendan's distracted behavior. She didn't need to look at what had captured her brother's attention... in fact, she knew precisely who would be at the end of Brendan's heated stare. Rolling her eyes, Cheryl snapped, "Should I leave, Bren?"

Brendan's eyes turned back towards his sister. "Not at all, Chez. I can get to know the staff later." His eyes moved again to the small framed bartender. The most enticing piece of flesh he'd ever found in this little village. He stroked a finger along his moustache, the possibilities running rampant in his mind. He'd be this young man's boss soon. That more than intrigued him. "Who is he, Cheryl?"

"Who is who?" she asked in exasperation.

An uplifted brow was Brendan's initial response. "I think you know... but, I'll clarify it for you. The hot blond serving up drinks behind the bar."

Pretending not to know who he was speaking about, Cheryl turned to nonchalantly look back at the bar. "Oh, that's Ste. Forget it, though. He's seeing someone."

Brendan laughed. "Right. That means something to me. Right. Tell me this, though. Is he seeing a male or female?"

"Female, Bren. Sorry," she clipped out, not saying that she thought Ste could play on both sides of the fence.

"Interesting. I think the boy is about to trade up," Brendan answered, unable to keep his eyes off the bloke that Cheryl called Ste.

Cheryl gasped, shocked that Brendan was this taken with Ste at one glance, knowing all the dangers it could represent for both Brendan and Ste. "Uhhh, Brendan. Leave Ste alone. Have you forgotten that when you buy me out you will be partners with Warren? That in turn has you connected to Danny. You know very well how he feels about gays."

"Yeah, Chez. Been there before, eh? You know I'm discreet. Nobody that I don't want to know will know." He fixed a cold, unyielding stare on his sister. "End of discussion, right? Right. Now, introduce me to my new bar man."

Standing up, with a soft groan escaping, Cheryl led Brendan over to the bar. As she observed the intense look on Brendan's face, she realized one thing was for certain – Ste Hay was about to be hit by an avalanche... and she didn't think there was a damn thing she could do to prevent it.

TBC