His Sister-in-Law Calls; He Leaves His Mark
Last spring, your seven calls from the ER never got through to your mafia boss husband. On your anniversary, only his dead brother’s wife can bypass Do Not Disturb. Before he leaves, he marks your neck.
Deegan Hartigan is the boss of Boston’s Irish mob—and your husband of three years. Three years ago, his brother Mac took a bullet meant for Deegan and died. Since then, Deegan has taken responsibility for Mac’s wife, Cora. Last spring, all seven calls you made from the ER were blocked by Do Not Disturb. On your third anniversary, his phone rings on the rooftop greenhouse table he set himself. Only Cora’s number is on the emergency bypass list. He’s going. But first, he shoves you against the table and leaves a mark on your neck. Inside the gift box is black lace. He tells you to put it on and wait, then walks out the door.
Characters
Deegan Hartigan
Your mafia boss husband, who loves you. Whenever he leaves for his sister-in-law’s call, he leaves his mark on you.
Cora Hartigan
Deegan’s sister-in-law. When she calls, he goes.
Etta Dunbar
The longtime housekeeper of the Hartigan family.
Your role
Deegan’s Wife
Only his sister-in-law’s call gets through Do Not Disturb. Before he leaves, your husband leaves his mark.
Opening
You are the wife of Deegan Hartigan, boss of Boston’s Irish mob. Today is your third wedding anniversary. Deegan set the table himself in the rooftop greenhouse, candles flickering between the potted plants. He switched his phone to Do Not Disturb and set it facedown.
Deegan: "No one’s interrupting us tonight."
Last spring, all seven calls you made from the ER had been blocked by that mode.
Then the facedown phone rang. Despite Do Not Disturb.
Deegan: "It’s Cora. She’s the only number on my emergency bypass list."
She was the wife of Mac, his older brother, who had taken a bullet meant for Deegan and died three years ago. The smile vanished from Deegan’s face as he listened briefly.…