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Chapter Text

2018

Rava Gold sat at a table outside Logan Roy’s home, nervously watching the people around her. Her date, Kendall Roy, seemed just as nervous, even though it was his sister’s wedding day and he must know most of the people here.

The bride, Siobhan Roy, was dancing with the groom, Tobias, known by his initials TK. The father of the bride was nowhere to be seen. Rava’s attention was caught by a line of men outside the house.

“What are they waiting for?” she asked Kendall.

“That’s my father’s office,” Kendall replied. “They’re waiting to ask him for favours.”

“Why are they bothering him on his daughter’s wedding day?”

“It’s a wedding tradition,” said Kendall without further elaboration.

There were expensive-looking cars parked all around Logan’s home today. Rava noticed a couple of police officers taking photos of the number plates.

“Hey!” yelled Kendall’s brother Connor, who had also noticed. “It’s my sister’s wedding day, get out of here!”

A couple of security guards chased the cops off the premises. Rava looked to Kendall for an explanation, but he just shrugged.

A tall man approached and patted Kendall on the shoulder. “Hey, Ken.”

“Rava, this is my brother Tom,” said Kendall.

“Tom Wambsgans.” Tom held out his hand to Rava, who shook it. “Sorry about…” He gestured to where the cops had been.

“Looks like Shiv’s having a good day anyway,” said Kendall.

“Yeah…” Tom frowned momentarily as he watched the bride and groom kiss. “I’d better see if Logan needs anything.”

Rava watched Tom walk away. “If he’s your brother, why does he have a different name?”

“My brother Connor brought him home one day and my father kind of adopted him. Connor always liked to collect strays.” Kendall’s tone suggested that he didn’t approve. “Tom’s also my father’s legal adviser, along with Gerri.”

“Tom and Jerry?” Rava laughed.

“Gerri as in Geraldine.” Kendall pointed to a middle-aged blonde wearing a purple dress in the crowd. “Also my sister’s godmother.”

There was another commotion in the background. Someone was arriving surrounded by an entourage. Rava recognised the man as the famous rapper and DJ known only as Squiggle.

“You did not tell me you know Squiggle!” she said with delight. “Can you introduce me?”

“He’s my father’s godson,” said Kendall. “My father actually helped him with his music career.”

“How?” Rava asked.

“Squiggle was having trouble getting a record contract signed. Until my father made the record producer an offer he couldn’t refuse.”

“What does that mean?”

“You really wanna know?” Rava nodded. “My father went round to the record company with the contract. He held a gun to the back of the producer’s head and told him that either his brains or his signature would be on the contract in five seconds.”

Rava wasn’t sure if Kendall was joking or not. Squiggle was heading for Logan’s office, pushing his way to the front of the queue.

Seeing the look on her face, Kendall added, “That’s my father, Rava. It’s not me.”

Before Rava could say anything, they were interrupted by a younger man who slung his arms around Kendall’s shoulders. “Kenny! Great day.” He gave Kendall a sloppy kiss on the cheek. “Is this your girlfriend?” He fluttered long eyelashes at Rava.

“Yeah, this is Rava, from business school. This is my younger brother Roman.” Roman gave Rava a big kiss on the cheek too.

“Wait till you hear my speech,” said Roman to Kendall. “Shiv’s gonna hate it!”

Rava couldn’t help smiling as Roman bounded away.

“Romulus is harmless,” said Kendall.

“I’m glad someone in your family is.”

…

Logan Roy sat in his office chair, stroking his pet cat Rose. He had been listening to requests from men and women all afternoon. Now his own godson stood before him, wringing his hands as he explained his predicament.

“I really want this part,” Squiggle said. “It’s the perfect opportunity to launch my acting career. But the head of the studio won’t hear of it. He says it’s stunt casting. If you could just talk to him, Godfather…”

Logan put the cat down on the floor and stood up. “Leave it with me. Sandy Furness and I are old acquaintances.”

“Oh, thank you Godfather.” Squiggle’s lower lip trembled. “You have no idea how much this part means to me…”

Logan slapped his godson across the face. “Stop your snivelling! You sound like Romulus. Is that how you become a leading man, by crying like a woman?”

Tom, who had opened the door to the office, quickly turned around and retreated.

“I’m sorry, Godfather,” said Squiggle. “I know you can persuade Furness…”

“I’ll go and see him tomorrow, make him an offer he can’t refuse.”

“Thank you, Godfather.”

“When I say something will happen, that thing will happen.”

…

It was another hour before Logan Roy emerged from his office. The photographer had started taking pictures of the bride and groom. Logan went to join them for the next photograph.

“Bride and father of the bride!” called the photographer. TK stepped aside and the photographer snapped a few shots of Shiv and Logan. “Now, bride and groom with siblings and partners!”

Connor and Roman went to stand next to Shiv and TK, both with a young blonde woman on their arm.

“Coming?” Kendall held out an arm to Rava.

“Oh, no Ken, not me…” Rava hadn’t even officially met the newly married couple yet.

“Come on.” Kendall took her hand and pulled her towards his family. The bride made a welcoming gesture as Kendall and Rava joined them. Tom had also come to be in the picture, with a pained expression on his face.

“On the count of three!” said the photographer. “One, two, three — smile!”

Chapter Text

Kendall and Rava walked out of the movie theatre arm in arm. It was getting dark, and there were only a few people on the street with them.

“Would you like me better if I were a superhero?” Rava asked. “With the costume, you know?”

“No,” said Kendall, although he liked the idea of the costume.

“Well, would you like me better if I was Scarlett Johansson?”

“There’s a thought,” Kendall teased. Rava, who had taken her phone out of her purse, came to a sudden stop.

“Kendall…”

Kendall stopped too. “Okay no, I would not like you better if you were Scarlett Johansson.”

“No, Ken…” Rava held up her phone. There was a breaking news alert on the screen, LOGAN ROY GUNNED DOWN IN NEW YORK CITY.

Kendall got his own phone, which was still on silent, out of his pocket and looked at the screen. There were several missed calls from Shiv. With trembling fingers, he called his sister back.

“Shiv? No, I’m sorry, I was watching a movie. My phone was off. What happened?” His face grew pale as he listened. “Which hospital? Okay, I’m coming there now. Is Roman there?” He waited. “Rome? I’m on my way right now. He’ll be alright. Don’t cry, Romey, you’re gonna make me cry. I’ll be there soon, okay? Okay, bye. Bye.”

He ended the call and looked at Rava. “Dad’s been shot,” he said numbly. “I have to get to the hospital.”

“I’ll come with you,” she offered, putting her hand on his arm.

“No.” He shook his head. “It’s not safe. You should go home. I’ll get you a car.” He started typing on his phone.

…

Kendall raced down the hospital corridor until he got to the private waiting room he had been directed to. Roman, Shiv, TK, Connor and Tom were there, along with Logan’s most trusted advisers Gerri, Frank (who was also Kendall’s godfather) and Karl.

“What happened?” Kendall asked his siblings, out of breath from running. “How’s Dad?”

“He’s in ICU,” said Shiv, her face blotchy with tears. Connor put an arm around her.

“Uh huh. What’s his status?”

“He was fucking shot, Ken. I’d say his status is pretty bad,” said Roman, who had also clearly been crying.

“Okay.” Kendall sat down in the chair opposite Roman. “What happened exactly? The news reports are vague.”

“Roman was driving your father to Waystar club,” said Frank.

“Roman drove?” Kendall looked at his younger brother, who almost never drove.

“Dad’s driver called in sick,” said Roman. “He had to get to a meeting with Mo — I mean, Lester — at the club.” Roman had been working under Lester at the nightclub for the past three months.

“Which driver called in sick?” asked Kendall.

Roman shrugged. “We got out of the car,” he continued haltingly. “Some guy started yelling at Dad, the usual bullshit. Dad’s bodyguards were distracted. Then there were these gunshots, and Dad was on the ground.” Roman’s voice broke.

“Okay,” said Kendall more gently. “You saw the whole thing?”

“Yeah.” Roman nodded. “He was shot five times, from out of a car.”

“What car?” 

Roman shrugged. “Plain black car. I didn’t get the number plate. I was distracted by Dad bleeding out.”

“And is Dad… have they said if he’s gonna be okay?”

“They’ve hardly told us anything,” said Connor.

“But they know who we are, right?” said Kendall. “Someone has to talk to us. Who is top dog here?”

“Stop acting like the king of the hospital, Kendall,” snapped Shiv. “You just got here.”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry.” Kendall looked at Gerri, Frank and Karl. “Could I speak to my siblings alone?”

The three advisers nodded and shuffled out of the room. Gerri patted Roman on the shoulder as she left.

Only Kendall and his four siblings remained, plus Shiv’s husband. “Fuck off, TK,” Kendall added casually.

“Fuck you, Kendall!” said Shiv, outraged. “Don’t talk to my husband like that.”

“It’s okay.” TK got up, spreading his hands in a reasonable gesture. “We’re all stressed. I’ll go find a coffee machine.”

Once TK was gone, Kendall turned to the others. “So who do we think did this?”

“Sandy Furness, maybe?” said Roman. “He was pretty upset about Dad leaving a horse’s head in his bed.”

“Or it could have been a random shooting,” Tom interjected quickly. “Wrong place, wrong time?”

“A random attack, on the most wanted man in New York,” said Roman. “Thanks, Tom. The fucking, Hercule Poirot of drive-by shootings here.”

“What about the guy who was yelling at Dad?”

“He disappeared in all the commotion,” said Connor.

“Okay.” Kendall nodded. “We need to find out about the driver who called in sick. And Mo too, did he arrange the meeting?”

“What about me?” said Roman. “I drove Dad to the location.”

“You’re on the suspect list,” said Kendall, only half-joking.

“There’s another possibility.” Tom sat forward. “Logan met with Nan Pierce recently. She wanted him to help the Pierces sell drugs through his clubs. Logan turned her down. This could be revenge.”

“You think the Pierces did this?” Kendall hadn’t considered the rival family as a possibility.

“Did Pa ever talk to you guys about cryogenics?” asked Connor suddenly.

Kendall shook his head, momentarily distracted from the possibility of gang warfare. “You’re insane.”

“What, he talked to me about cryogenics. I’m just saying. Imagine all the other heads of the most important families in New York are walking around with new bodies, but not Dad, because we were too embarrassed to talk about it—”

“Dad didn’t talk to you about cryogenics, Con, you talked to him about them, because you’re obsessed with cryogenics—”

“Not really, Kenny—”

“And what Dad didn’t tell you, which I’m telling you now, is that you’re an idiot.”

“Sticks and stones, Kenny.”

“Guys…” said Tom. A doctor was entering the room.

“Kendall Roy.” Kendall jumped up and held his hand out to the doctor, who merely nodded.

“Your father is stable,” the doctor announced, to the relief of everyone in the room. “We’re just waiting for him to regain consciousness.”

“Can we see him?” asked Shiv.

“Not yet. It’s best that he remains isolated while he recovers.”

“And you have — security, right?” said Kendall.

“We have police outside his room.”

“Okay and — is this the best hospital for him to be in?” said Roman.

“ICU is ICU,” said the doctor, looking confused.

“Okay but, is this where you would want your father, if he was shot?”

“Decisions about your father’s stay will be made by his next of kin.” The doctor looked at his notes. “His wife, Marcia?”

“They’re estranged. She’s out of the country,” explained Kendall. “I’m his oldest son—”

“Actually, I am,” said Connor.

“We certainly wouldn’t recommend moving your father at this stage. Excuse me, I’d better get back.” The doctor departed the room.

“Good, right?” said Roman. “He’s gonna be okay.”

“Yeah.” Kendall sank back down into a chair.

“Look,” said Connor, pointing to the TV on the wall. Logan’s face was plastered across the screen. Shiv grabbed the remote on the nearest table and turned the volume up.

“Logan Roy remains in a critical condition after being shot outside Waystar nightclub,” the news announcer was saying. “The business owner was getting out of his Ferrari with his son Romulus when…”

“Why do they have to mention the make of his car?” asked Roman naively.

“To let people know that he’s a criminal,” said Kendall darkly.

“The 80-year-old remains in a hospital unknown for security reasons.” The newscaster, a young woman called Kerry, gave the camera a dazzling smile for some reason. “Next up…”

“It’s all over Twitter.” Roman was scrolling through tweets on his phone. “Hundreds of people celebrating our father’s demise.” He held up his phone to show an exploding gif of Kenny from South Park. “Can we like, have them killed?”

“Don’t look at that stuff,” said Shiv.

The door opened and TK came back in, carrying a tray of drinks. “Coffee, guys?”

…

It was late and dark. Logan’s advisers had gone home and only the Roy family remained in the waiting room. Shiv had fallen asleep on TK’s shoulder. Tom sat uncomfortably in the corner. Roman was still looking his phone and Connor was watching the TV screen.

There was a tap on the waiting room door and Rava put her head around. “Hi.”

“Hi.” Kendall got up and went to greet her. “I told you not to come…”

“I know, but I just wanted to see how you are. No safer place right now, right?” Rava looked over her shoulder at the police in the corridor.

“I’m glad you’re here,” admitted Kendall, as Rava gave the others in the room a wave. “Let’s go somewhere to talk…”

He took Rava down the hall into another, smaller room.

“So it sounds like your dad’s gonna be okay?” she asked.

“Yeah. I should have known a little thing like getting shot five times wouldn’t stop him.” Kendall smiled bravely.

“Oh, Ken.” Seeing through his bravado, Rava stepped up and put her arms around him. Kendall let the stress of the last few hours drain out of him as he held her.

Then Rava stepped back, feeling something. “Um, Ken…”

Kendall shrugged, looking down at where his body had betrayed him. “It’s just my body. I think it’s all the adrenaline…”

“Uh huh.” Rava couldn’t help smiling despite the circumstances.

“I’m glad you’re here,” said Kendall sincerely.

“Yeah.” Rava glanced at his crotch area. “I can tell.”

Kendall took her hand and led her back to the private waiting room.

…

Down the hall, in his hospital bed surrounded by machines, Logan Roy opened his eyes.

Chapter Text

A month had passed since the shooting and Logan was home from the hospital. Marcia had returned to play the doting wife and Kendall was running Logan’s businesses in his father’s absence.

Kendall was dealing with paperwork in the head office when Roman stuck his head around the door. “You have a visitor,” he told Kendall.

“I’m busy, Roman.”

“It’s Sandy Furness.”

Kendall sat up straighter. “Send him in.”

“You sure? Dad would shoot him on sight.”

“Just send him in, Roman.”

Roman went to get Sandy as Kendall stood up. When Sandy entered the room, Kendall went to shake his hand.

“Mr Furness, what a surprise,” said Kendall pleasantly. “So kind of you to drop by.”

“Oh, not at all,” said Sandy, smiling in an infuriating way. “I just came to say how sorry I was to hear about your dad.”

“Well, it’s so kind of you to do it in person when you could have just called.” Kendall wasn’t giving anything away about Logan’s condition.

“Any idea who was responsible for the shooting?”

“Not yet. The police are taking care of it.”

“So many enemies.” Sandy sighed thoughtfully. “You’ll give Logan my best, tell him I stopped by?”

“Of course.” Kendall nodded, smiling back at Sandy. “He’ll appreciate that.”

“And if I can give you any advice, while you’re running things. Business owner to business owner…”

“That is a very kind offer. I hate to refuse, but I’ve got it covered.”

“Look at you.” Sandy looked Kendall up and down, still smiling. “Right in the eye of the raging storm, and cool as a cucumber.”

“Well, thanks again for stopping by.” Kendall summoned his assistant. “Jess, could you show Mr Furness out?”

Jess took Sandy down the stairs to the exit. Kendall walked out onto the balcony to watch.

“So, what did he say?” Roman appeared at Kendall’s side.

“He said I was dead in the water and tried to finger-bang me.” Kendall gave Sandy a little wave from a distance.

“And what did you say?”

“I said if he came here again he’d wake up with more than a horse’s head in his bed.” Kendall watched as Sandy left the building.

Later, Kendall called a meeting with Roman, Frank and Gerri. “So, I think we can rule Sandy Furness off the suspects list. He wouldn’t come here to gloat if he was responsible, he’d be lying low.”

“Agreed,” said Roman.

“So, that leaves the Pierces. The driver who called in sick was legit, but I’m still not sure about Mo.”

“I can look into the Pierces,” said Gerri. “Set up a meeting with Rhea Jarrell.”

“Or I could,” Roman offered. “Tabitha knows Naomi Pierce.”

“No. We have to be smart about this,” said Kendall. “I’ve got someone undercover with the Pierces.”

“Who?” said Gerri.

“Hugo Baker.” Gerri’s eyebrows shot up. “He’s been working for them for the past month.”

“Hugo’s an enforcer, not a spy,” scoffed Roman.

“I just asked him to keep his ear to the ground, report back with any findings…”

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” said Frank.

…

That night Kendall took Rava out for dinner. He was feeling pretty good about himself, having taken care of his dad’s businesses for a month and having the Pierce problem under control.

“So, what are we celebrating?” asked Rava, after Kendall ordered champagne.

“Well, I wouldn’t say I’m the man, but if there was a man, he might look a lot like me.”

“Oh yeah?” Rava smiled.

“Look, I’m sorry I haven’t seen you much over the past month,” said Kendall, dropping the bravado. “It’s been a crazy time.”

“It’s okay. I understand.”

“Here’s where I’m at. I love you.”

“Okay.” Rava smiled. “Thank you.”

“That’s it?” Kendall shook his head. “‘And I…’”

“Okay. Um, I’m not sure if I love you.”

Kendall looked at her, stricken, then smiled. “Yeah, you do.” He nodded to convince himself.

“Fuck you,” said Rava sweetly.

“Look, I’m running my dad’s business now, so technically, I could have anyone killed,” Kendall offered. “That’s kind of sexy, right?”

“Yeah, it is. Oh wait, no it isn’t, it’s the logic of a psychopath.”

“A psychopath who might hypothetically be the man. Who loves you.”

Rava shook her head, but she was smiling. “Fuck you.”

…

They stumbled into Rava’s apartment, still kissing as Rava pushed off Kendall’s jacket. They fell in a heap at the bottom of Rava’s stairs. Kendall pulled up her skirt and kissed her thighs before inhaling her scent, then dived face-down into her panties. Rava gasped and let him mouth at her for a few seconds, then pulled him up to kiss her on the mouth. He stood up to pull his trousers and underwear down. He carried Rava over to the couch, nearly dropping her in the process. “Sorry.” He climbed on top and resumed kissing her. “We are not breaking up.”

“Yes — yes,” Rava gasped as he thrust into her. “Yes we are.”

“No, we are not.”

…

Kendall arrived at head office the next day a little late, with a spring in his step. “There’s a package for you,” Jess informed him as he entered Logan’s office.

“Thanks, Jess.” Kendall approached the parcel on the desk. There was a strange smell coming from it. Frowning, he went to open it, just as Roman walked in.

“Morning, brother. What the fuck is that smell?” asked Roman.

Kendall unwrapped the parcel. Inside was a bulletproof vest, wrapped around a large dead fish.

“What the fuck,” he said. Frank and Gerri had come to investigate too. Kendall looked at the bulletproof vest, which had the initials HB on it. “What does it mean?”

“It’s a message from the Pierces,” said Gerri grimly. “It means that Hugo Baker sleeps with the fishes.”

…

Kendall called an emergency meeting that night. All the inner circle was here: Kendall, Roman, Frank, Gerri, Karl and Tom.

“So, we need to decide what to do,” said Kendall without preamble. “The Pierces have sent us a pretty clear message. They killed Hugo, and they probably tried to kill Dad too. We need to send them a message back. The Roys are a laughing stock right now.”

“What do you suggest?” asked Gerri.

“We set up a meeting between me and the Pierces. Mark and Maxum Pierce. Then, I’ll kill them both.”

A frisson ran through the room. “Are you serious?” said Tom.

“Very. My dad’s a bastard. People need to know I’m a bastard too. Right now they think they can mess with us.”

“How would you go about this?” Gerri was clearly taking him seriously.

“I set up a meeting at a place I know every inch of. Obviously they’ll search me on arrival, so I can’t take a weapon with me. But I can hide a weapon on the premises. I take out the two Pierces, it sends a strong message.”

“What about Nan Pierce?” said Roman. “She’s the head of the operation.”

“I’m not killing a woman,” said Kendall.

“She’s not some sweet old lady, dude. She’s one of the biggest drug dealers in New York. I’m not a radical feminist, but I say the stone cold bitch gets it.” Roman mimed shooting a bullet between his eyes.

“Okay but — seriously?” said Tom. “We’re talking about Kendall killing two people — no offence, Ken.”

Kendall remained silent. Tom didn’t know it, but Kendall had killed before once, several years ago. While visiting his mother in England, he had picked up a cute waiter and gone looking for drugs and maybe more. Kendall had been driving, unaccustomed to the winding English roads and manual gear changes. They had nearly hit a deer, the car had careered into a lake and the waiter had been killed. Kendall had escaped the car unharmed and Logan had covered the whole thing up. He may not be his father, but he was a killer.

“I can set up the meeting,” said Gerri. “You and the two Pierce men. Do you have a location in mind?”

“There’s a coffee shop. I know the owner,” said Kendall. “I can get him to close for the night, so we have the place to ourselves. Karl, you can get me the gun and hide it for me?”

“Uh huh,” said Karl. “Full disclosure, I am having a panic attack right now.”

“Really?” Roman looked genuinely startled. “You seem kind of the same.”

“Ken, you know if you do this, you’ll have to go away for a while,” said Frank. “The police is one thing, but if you kill Nan Pierce’s cousins…”

Kendall had thought about that too. “I have a friend in Shanghai. I can stay with him for a few months, until things calm down.”

…

After that things moved quickly. Gerri set up the meeting as planned. Kendall was due to meet the two Pierces at the coffee shop the following night. Afterwards, he would fly straight to Shanghai, leaving everything behind. No phone, no communication until it was safe to do so.

“Karl hid the gun in the toilet cistern,” explained Frank at the final meeting of the inner circle. “During the meeting, you say you’re going for a leak. Take the gun out, come out and shoot them both straight in the head. No hesitation.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Now that the moment had arrived, Roman looked pale and uncertain.

“I have to,” said Kendall. “For Dad.”

“Good luck, Ken,” said Tom. “My hunch is that you’re going to get fucked, but good luck.”

“Thanks, Tom,” said Kendall. “You’ll explain to Shiv and Connor?”

“And I’ll get a message to that girlfriend of yours, when it’s safe,” said Frank in a low voice.

Kendall nodded. He shook Frank and Tom’s hands, then hugged and kissed Roman. Then it was time to go.

…

Kendall arrived at the coffee shop to find a closed sign on the door, which was unlocked. The man behind the counter gave Kendall a meaningful look before going out back. He would get his money later.

Only one table was occupied. There were three men waiting for Kendall: Mark Pierce, Maxim Pierce and another man. Mark Pierce introduced him as, “my adviser, Lawrence Yee”.

Kendall shook Lawrence’s hand, then Lawrence patted him down for a weapon, as expected. Finding nothing, Lawrence put his hands up and sat down.

“So, you wanted to meet with us,” said Mark.

“Yeah.” Kendall sat down opposite the two Pierces. “You’ll have heard about what happened to my father, and Hugo Baker.”

“Terrible business,” said Maxim. “Are you running things now?”

“I am, yeah.” Kendall straightened his posture. “I want to make a deal. Put an end to the violence.”

“I hope you’re not suggesting that my clients had anything to do with these events,” said Lawrence.

“I need to take a leak,” said Kendall abruptly. The other men looked slightly confused as he got up and marched to the men’s room.

Inside the single cubicle, Kendall lifted the cistern of the toilet and looked inside. The gun was there, right where it was supposed to be. He picked it up with a shaking hand.

Outside the cubicle, he looked at himself in the mirror. Could he really do this? He put the gun away in his pocket and smoothed his hair down.

When he came out of the bathroom, the three men were deep in conversation. They stopped when Kendall sat down.

“Feel better?” asked Maxim. Kendall nodded. “What happened to your father was business. I have much respect for your father. But, his thinking is old-fashioned. When he feels better let’s try to set up a meeting between him and Nan.”

Kendall could barely hear what Maxim was saying. There was a strange ringing in his ears. He could hear the sound of a subway train passing underneath them.

Before Maxim had finished speaking, Kendall jumped to his feet and pulled the gun out of his pocket. He shot Maxim in the face, then turned the gun on Mark. Mark had no time to react before Kendall pulled the trigger again. Lawrence jumped up, a look of terror on his face, looking at the two dead men. He turned to Kendall with his hands up. Kendall blasted him in the head.

Kendall stood panting, looking at the blood splatters on his hands. He wiped the gun down and left it on the floor next to the men. There was no tracing the gun back to him. He left the coffee shop quickly, leaving the door unlocked. He managed to get home before he threw up.

…

Kendall was all packed and ready to leave for Shanghai when he heard his phone ringing in the drawer where he had left it. He took the phone out and looked at the screen. It was Marcia calling.

“Hello?” he answered cautiously.

“Kendall?” His stepmother’s voice was tense. “Your father wants to see you.”

Kendall got a cab over to his father’s home. A bellman let him in and Kendall nodded at a housekeeper as he went up, feeling a sense of unreality.

Logan was sitting up in his bed, looking better than he had since the shooting. The TV was on, with breaking news headlines about the Pierces’ deaths.

“Hey, Dad.” Kendall went and sat at his father’s bedside. “Good to see you’re feeling better.” Logan grunted in response. “Marcia said you were asking for me?” He followed Logan’s eyes to the TV. “You don’t have to worry about the Pierces anymore. I took care of them. I’m gonna have to go away for a while, just until things die down, but don’t worry. Tom and Roman will run things while I’m gone.”

Logan mumbled something that sounded like “fuckingiot.”

“What?” Kendall leaned in and took his father’s hands. Logan enunciated carefully into Kendall’s ear.

“You — are — a fucking — idiot.”

Kendall slowly let go of Logan’s hands. He stood up and left without saying another word. Within an hour he was at the airport, ready to start his new life in Shanghai.

Chapter Text

On Kendall’s first night in Shanghai, his friend Nate took him to a bar and introduced him to some of the regulars. One of them held his hand out to Kendall before Nate could introduce them.

“I’m Sadegh,” he said. “My friends call me Stewy.”

Sadegh or Stewy was the most beautiful man Kendall thought he had ever seen. He also exuded a confidence that Kendall could only dream of, the way he talked to everyone at the bar.

Envy, Kendall told himself. That was what he was feeling.

“So what’s your story?” Stewy asked Kendall, when they were at a table alone together. “Nate said you were staying with him?”

“It’s a long story,” said Kendall. “Basically, my dad’s the devil and he runs a crime ring and he got himself shot. And I tried to fix things but I just fucked things up, like I always do, and now I’m in hiding.”

“Cool story, bro,” said Stewy. “Wanna go to the bathroom and do some coke?” He made a hand job gesture for some reason.

In the bathroom, Kendall watched as Stewy snorted cocaine off the sink. He hadn’t touched drugs in a long while. Apart from his own bad history in that area, Logan refusing to sell drugs for the Pierces was what had led to his shooting.

“You sure you don’t want some?” Stewy held out his hand to Kendall. There were traces of white powder there. It felt like a strangely intimate gesture.

“Fuck it,” said Kendall. He took Stewy’s hand and inhaled. It was time to be his own man.

…

After visiting his father, Connor dropped by unexpectedly to see Shiv. She was reluctant to let him in and when she finally opened the door, she kept her face turned away.

“What’s the matter, Shiv?” Connor asked. He finally turned her to face him. Her face was covered in bruises and she had a black eye. Connor brought his fist up to his mouth to hide his reaction.

“It’s not what you think, okay?” said Shiv. “It was my fault. I provoked him. I hit him first! Please, Con, don’t tell anyone. Don’t do anything.”

Connor forced a smile, putting his hands on Shiv’s shoulders. “Hey, what am I gonna do, make that baby of yours an orphan before it’s born?” He nodded at Shiv’s small bump and she laughed, relieved. “You know I don’t do confrontation. Just tell me. What happened?”

…

TK was casually browsing the oranges at a fruit stand on Mott Street when he saw his brother-in-law marching towards him. The sight of the usually mild-mannered, but still much taller than him, eldest Roy sibling coming at him with an expression of pure rage made TK start to run.

Connor gave chase, easily catching up with TK and pushing him over a railing into some garbage cans. He picked TK up by his shirt and rained punches on him. A few people had gathered around to watch. Connor pushed TK to the ground and kicked him repeatedly. He grabbed TK’s hair and punched him in the face some more, then took TK’s hand which was gripping the railing and sunk his teeth into it, making him yell.

“Somebody call the police!” someone was shouting. Connor ignored them. He picked up one of the garbage cans and emptied it over TK, then proceeded to beat him with the garbage can lid. TK managed to crawl away, heading towards the fire hydrant that was spraying water over the sidewalk. Connor easily stepped over the railing and followed his brother-in-law, getting a few more kicks in. TK lay on the ground, now getting drenched with water on top of the beating.

“Touch my baby sister again and I’ll kill you,” said Connor, breathing hard. He started to walk away, then turned to give TK one last kick in the head.

…

The next two weeks passed without incident. TK returned home to Shiv and apologised. Shiv was furious with Connor for interfering, but TK took the blame and promised to be a better husband.

Shiv’s bruises were almost completely healed when she heard the landline ringing one morning before TK had left for work. No one ever called the landline. Shiv didn’t think anyone even had the number. Frowning, she went to pick it up, ready to hang up on a cold caller.

“Hello?” she said.

“Hi,” said a woman’s voice. “Can I speak to TK?”

“Who is this?” asked Shiv.

“I just really need to speak to him.”

“This is his wife. Who shall I say is calling?” said Shiv.

There was no answer, the woman had hung up.

Shiv walked slowly into the bedroom where TK was getting dressed. “A woman just called for you.”

“What woman?” TK scoffed.

“You tell me. She called the landline, then hung up.” TK shrugged, avoiding eye contact. “How did she even get that number?”

“Probably a cold call.”

“She asked for you.”

“Whatever. I need to get to work.” TK brushed past her, which angered Shiv further.

“Don’t walk away from me!” she yelled.

“Don’t tell me what to do!” He turned around, glaring at her. “What are you accusing me of?”

“I don’t know, TK. Are you cheating on your pregnant wife?”

“Me? You’re the one who can’t control yourself.”

“Oh yeah?” Shiv picked up her own phone, which was lying on her dresser, and hurled it at him. It narrowly missed him.

“You’re gonna pay for that.” TK advanced on Shiv, taking his belt off as he closed in on her. “I will kill you, you spoiled slut!”

…

Connor was eating breakfast at his ranch in New Mexico when his phone buzzed. He took it out of his pocket and saw Shiv’s name on the screen.

“Who is it?” asked Willa, his fiancée, who was tucking into pancakes. “Your dad?”

“No, it’s Shiv.” Connor answered the call. “Shivvy?” His expression changed as he listened to his sister sobbing at the other end. “Shiv, I’m coming to you now. I’m gonna drive to the airport right away, okay? I’ll be there soon.”

“Connor, what’s happening?” said Willa as Connor got up.

“That son of a bitch,” said Connor without explanation.

“Connor!” Willa called after him, but he was already storming out to his car.

Connor drove, still cursing at TK under his breath, until he reached a road block. He slowed to a stop, then looked around, frowning. Something wasn’t right. The area was sealed off, but there were no construction workers or other cars around.

Then bullets started firing at his car. He was surrounded by men firing from all directions. He tried to duck but there was nowhere to hide. In desperation he got out of the car, screaming as the bullets continued to hit him. He slumped to the ground as one of the gunmen approached him, still firing bullets at his chest. The gunman kicked Connor in the head before walking away.

…

That night, Logan was watching TV in bed when Marcia entered his bedroom.

“Logan?” she said in an unusually soft tone. “Tom is here to see you.”

Logan watched as Tom followed Marcia into the room. His one son by choice, not by blood. Marcia took a seat at Logan’s bedside and took his hand as Tom approached Logan on the other side of the bed.

“What is it, son?” asked Logan. Tom looked like he had been crying. “Is it Kendall? Is he safe?”

“No sir, it’s not Kendall.” Tom shook his head. “It’s Connor.”

…

Logan was wheeled into the morgue with Tom at his side. Connor’s body was lying on a slab, covered by a sheet.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” asked Tom.

“Yes. I owe him that.” Logan wheeled himself up to his eldest son. “I don’t want anyone else to see him like this.”

Tom nodded at the morgue worker, who slowly pulled back the sheet. Connor was barely recognisable. His face and body were covered in bullet holes. Tom closed his eyes.

When Logan spoke, it was in sorrow, not in rage.

“Look how they massacred my boy.”

…

7,000 miles away, Kendall was blissfully unaware that his life was about to be torn apart. He was in a cafe with Stewy, watching him down espresso shots. He could barely take his eyes off the younger man.

“Why don’t we go to the bathroom, have a little something-something?” Stewy asked once he had finished all the shots.

“Why don’t we stay right here,” said Kendall meaningfully, remembering the last time he and Stewy were in a bathroom together. Stewy rolled his eyes and brushed his knee against Kendall’s. Kendall shifted to hide his physical response.

Kendall hadn’t felt like this about anyone since Rava. He still thought of Rava most days, wished that he could call her to explain, but the memory of her was fading. It was like trying to remember the lyrics of a song he only knew the tune to. Stewy, on the hand, was new, exciting and right here.

Stewy was pouring more coffee shots. He held a glass out to Kendall, putting his other hand on Kendall’s knee. Kendall took the glass as Stewy smiled. “Team Ken, baby!”

Kendall smiled back, clinking glasses with Stewy, and knew in that moment that he was in love again.

Chapter Text

Kendall woke up with Stewy’s arms wrapped around him from behind. Stewy was drooling slightly against Kendall’s bare shoulder.

Three months had passed since that terrible day when Frank had called on Kendall’s new phone number. It was nighttime in New York but the middle of the day where Kendall was. “Ken, I’ve got very bad news.” Kendall’s first thought was that Logan had finally succumbed to his shooting injuries. Then when Frank said, “your brother,” Kendall had thought it was Roman and his stomach had dropped. When Frank had said Connor, it hadn’t quite computed. It didn’t make sense. Connor had nothing to do with the family business. He lived a peaceful life on his ranch. Who would kill Connor, who—

Then Kendall’s heart had shattered and he had ceased to try to make sense of the news.

Stewy had been a great comfort to him, of course. Kendall still had nightmares about Connor’s shooting — or worse, dreams where Connor was alive and well, only to wake up to the reality — and it still caused him great pain to think that Connor would never call him Kenny or talk to him about cryogenics again. Yet the pain in his heart had lessened, partly due to the man who now lay in bed with him most nights.

Stewy was waking up. “Ken?” he murmured, disoriented.

“Hey, sleepy Stew.”

After another enjoyable half hour in bed, Stewy got up to shower. Kendall watched him walk naked across the room. Stewy was always more confident in his own skin than Kendall was.

There was one thing, however, that Kendall could do that Stewy couldn’t. Stewy had never learned to drive. Connor had taught Kendall, Roman and Shiv to drive as soon as they were old enough. After teasing Stewy mercilessly about his inexperience, Kendall had offered to teach him. He had bought a beat-up old Cortina for this purpose.

Eventually Kendall joined Stewy in the shower, trailing a line of kisses down his shoulder in line with a trickle of water. It was almost the afternoon by the time they were both clean and dressed, ready for today’s driving lesson.

Stewy went out to the car first. Kendall stayed in the bedroom, checking his phone in case there were any messages from back home. When he went outside, his bodyguard, Fikret, was walking away from Kendall’s apartment.

“Where are you going?” Kendall asked him. He had barely been anywhere without a bodyguard since Connor.

Fikret hesitated, then started to run in the opposite direction. Kendall looked at the Cortina, where Stewy was already in the driver’s seat.

“I’ll drive to you!” Stewy called out of the window. “Watch this, daddy’s boy.”

“Stewy, no!” Kendall shouted, but it was too late. Stewy had started the engine. There was a loud noise and flames danced before Kendall’s eyes.

“Stewy! No! Stewy!” Kendall was running towards the car without any thought for his own safety.

The second explosion knocked him off his feet.

…

When Kendall opened his eyes he was in a hospital bed. The room was small with only one bed, and Nate was at his bedside. “Hey, buddy,” said Nate, patting his hand.

Kendall couldn’t speak. He didn’t know if he had been in here for days or weeks. The last thing he remembered was going out to the car—

“Stewy,” he croaked. Nate lowered his gaze. “Is he—”

“I’m sorry,” said Nate. Kendall closed his eyes. A tear trickled down his cheek.

“It was Fikret,” said Kendall eventually, wiping his face. “He planted the bomb.”

“We can’t find him,” said Nate. “We think the Pierces got to him.”

“We have to find him. He has to pay for this.”

“We’ll keep looking,” said Nate.

“How did the Pierces find me?”

Nate shook his head with a shrug. “I do have some good news.”

“What?”

“Frank called,” Nate explained. “Your father met with Nan Pierce yesterday, after the car exploded.” So that was yesterday, Kendall thought. It felt like moments ago. “She’s agreed to a ceasefire. The feud between the Roys and the Pierces is over.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means you can go home.”

…

Kendall flew home a few days later, once he had discharged himself from the hospital. He had basically escaped unscathed, with a few cuts and bruises from where he had landed after the explosion. He arrived back in New York in the early hours of the morning. A car was waiting for him to take him straight to his father’s home as planned.

Marcia greeted him at the front door with uncharacteristic affection. “Kendall! Your father will be so happy to see you.”

“How is he?” Kendall asked.

“He’s much better. Still not quite ready to return to work full-time. Tom has been running things for him. He has your cousin Greg working for him.” Kendall looked at her blankly. “Marianne’s boy?”

“Oh, right.”

“Romulus is in Las Vegas, learning the casino business with Lester McClintock. And Siobhan wants you to be godfather to her baby when it’s born. You will, won’t you?” Kendall nodded, barely listening to what Marcia was saying as she led him upstairs to his father’s room.

Logan, as it turned out, was asleep, looking much the same as when Kendall had last seen him. Before leaving them alone, Marcia turned to Kendall and put her hand on his shoulder. He almost flinched from the touch.

“You’ve been through difficult times,” she said. “You’re a nice boy, but out of difficult times come strong men, right?”

Kendall nodded. Marcia kissed him on the cheek and finally left the room.

Kendall sat down on a chair and looked at his father. Later he would return to his own apartment, which would look like he had never been away. He would take his old phone out of the drawer where he had left it and scroll through the many messages and missed calls from the past few months, including from Rava.

For now, he was content to watch his father sleep.

Chapter Text

Rava was coming out of the office she worked in when she saw Kendall waiting outside the building. She came to a stop.

“Hi,” said Kendall. “It’s good to see you.”

“What are you doing here, Ken?”

“I wanted to talk to you. I would have called, but I thought it was better to do it in person…”

Rava was tempted to tell him to go to hell, but she did want to know where he had been. “Let’s go for a walk.”

They walked along the Hudson River. It was autumn and the evenings were starting to get darker.

“I was sorry to hear about Connor,” said Rava.

“Thank you,” said Kendall, sounding like he had said it a hundred times before.

“When did you get back?” Rava asked.

“A couple of months ago.”

“Months?” Rava shook her head. “And you’re only contacting me now?”

“I had to get my head together. I was a mess when I got back. I’m working for my father now, basically running the business for him.”

“You once said that you didn’t want to be a man like your father.”

“Well, maybe I was wrong. My father’s no different to any other powerful man, like a senator or a president.”

“Do you know how naive you sound?” Rava stopped walking and turned to him. “Senators and presidents don’t have men killed.”

“Now who’s being naive, Rava?” Kendall took her by the shoulders. “Things will be different when I take over. My father’s way of doing things is over, he knows that. In five years time, the Roy family will be completely legitimate.”

She looked him in the eyes. “Why are you here, Kendall?”

“I want you back,” he said. “I never wanted to leave you behind. I had to. I couldn’t contact you for your own safety…”

“Frank said you had to disappear. Why?” She shook her head. “I mean, you sleep with a guy and then he leaves the country without telling you. You could have just… stopped calling?”

“It was complicated. I didn’t want you to be a part of that life. But it’s over now, my father called a truce with the Pierces. I’m not in danger anymore.”

“Were you with anyone, while you were away?” she asked.

He looked away. “Yes. There was someone, but that’s over now. I didn’t know if I would ever see you again…”

“I’m seeing someone new,” she said. “His name is Gary.”

“Fine, I’ll have him killed. What’s his address? I’m kidding, obviously…” He reached out to cup her face with one hand. She blinked back tears, wishing he didn’t still have this effect on her.

“What do you want from me, Ken?”

“I want you to marry me.”

…

After Rava accepted his proposal, Kendall flew out to Las Vegas to see how Roman was doing working under Lester. Kendall, Tom, Greg and Karl walked into The Electric Circus casino, where Squiggle was standing behind the bar.

“Ken!” Squiggle greeted Kendall. “Welcome to Las Vegas!”

“Thanks, Squiggle.” Kendall shook his old friend’s hand. “You remember my brother Tom,” Tom nodded at Squiggle, “my adviser Karl, and this is Greg, Logan’s nephew.”

“Big fan,” said Greg, shaking Squiggle’s hand. “‘L to the OG’ is a classic.”

“Where’s my little brother?” Kendall asked Squiggle.

“Here.” Roman barrelled out of the office and launched himself at Kendall, tackling him with a hug and kissing his face. He was even more physically affectionate with Kendall since losing Connor.

“Where’s Mo?” Kendall asked once Roman had detached himself.

“He said he had some business,” said Roman. “He said to give him a call when the party starts.”

“Well, give him a call,” said Kendall. Roman took out his phone to send a message. “How are you, Squiggle?”

“Good, good,” said Squiggle. “The movie’s going well.”

“We’re all proud of you,” said Kendall. “Especially my father.”

“I owe it all to him.” Squiggle smiled. “How is he?”

“He knows how grateful you are.” Kendall avoided the question about Logan. “That’s why he’d like to ask a favour of you.”

“What can I do?” asked Squiggle.

“The family is thinking of expanding out here,” Kendall explained. “Lester McClintock will sell us his share of the casino and the hotel so it will be completely owned by the Roys. Tom here has the paperwork.”

“Are you sure about that, Ken?” asked Roman. “Mo loves the business — he’s said nothing to me about selling.”

“I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse,” said Kendall as Tom handed him the paperwork. “See, Squiggle, we figure that entertainment will be a big factor in drawing gamblers to the casino. And we hope you’ll sign a contract to appear five times a year. Perhaps convince some of your friends in the movies to do the same. We’re counting on you.”

“Sure, Ken.” Squiggle looked worried but he forced a smile. “I’ll do anything for my Godfather — you know that.”

“Good.” Kendall looked around as Lester McClintock entered the casino. “Lester. Good to see you.”

“Hey, Ken! Hello, fellas — everybody’s here — Tom, Karl.” Lester shook everyone’s hands. “Good to see you, Ken.”

“Excuse us while we talk business,” Kendall said to Squiggle, who nodded and made for the door.

“All right, you got everything you want?” Lester clapped his hands together. “The dancers will perform for you later, and your credit is good. Romulus, draw chips for everybody in the room so they can play on the house.”

“My credit good enough to buy you out?” asked Kendall, settling at the bar.

Lester laughed. So did Roman, who came around from behind the bar to massage Lester’s shoulders. “Buy me out?” Lester repeated.

Kendall nodded. “The casino, the hotel. We want to buy you out.”

Lester looked angry. “The Roys wanna buy me out? No, I buy you out, you don’t buy me out.”

“Your casino loses money,” said Kendall calmly. “Maybe we can do better.”

“You’ve got some nerve. I do you a favour and take Roman in when you’re having a bad time, and then you try to push me out!”

“You took Roman in because he’s your godson, and because the Roy family bankrolled your casino,” pointed out Kendall. “Now let’s talk business.”

“I’m sure we can reach an understanding,” said Karl uneasily, looking at Kendall.

Lester ignored this. “First of all, you’re all done. Everybody knows Logan is sick, right? You’re getting chased out of New York by the Pierces — you think you can come here and take over? I’d sooner sell to the Pierces.”

“Is that why you slapped my brother around in public?” said Kendall.

“Aw, Ken.” Roman looked uncomfortable. “That was nothing. Everyone hits me, I’m fucking annoying.”

“We had a little argument, Roman and I,” said Lester. “I had to straighten him out…”

“You straightened my brother out?” Kendall stared coldly at Lester.

“He was getting his personal trainer to jerk him off backstage!” snapped Lester. “One of the dancers walked in on them!”

“And last I heard you were still offering dancers jobs in exchange for blow jobs, Mo,” said Kendall. The whole room went still. No one ever called Lester that nickname to his face. “Now I leave for New York tomorrow — think about a price I can take to my father.”

“Wait a minute, I’ve got an idea,” said Roman desperately. “Tom, you can talk to Dad, you can explain...”

“Logan is semi-retired and Kendall is in charge of the family business now,” said Tom. “If you have anything to say, say it to Kendall.”

Mo Lester glared angrily at Kendall and Tom, then stormed out of the casino.

“Kendall.” Karl looked apoplectic with rage. “You don’t come to Las Vegas and talk to a man like Lester McClintock like that!”

“You knew we were coming here to negotiate,” said Kendall.

“To negotiate, not to humiliate him.”

“Don’t worry Karl, I’m sure you’ll still have an invitation to his whorehouses.”

“Now listen to me—” Karl pointed a finger at Kendall, who cut him off.

“You were Connor’s godfather, Karl, not mine. You don’t get to tell me what to do.”

“Listen kid, I took a lot of shit from your dad because we’ve been through the mill. But I’ve worked for him for a long time, and I know a thing or two about a thing or two. And if you fսck up his business or make me look foolish like that again, I’ll fսcking squeal.”

“Thanks Karl, I’ll bear that in mind,” said Kendall. “Give me a moment with the family, will you?”

Karl shook his head and went in the same direction Lester had gone. Greg raised his eyebrows at Tom, who remained stoic. Roman started to say something but Kendall interrupted:

“Roman, you’re my brother and I love you, but don’t ever take sides against the family again. Ever.”

…

On arriving back in New York, Kendall went straight to see his father. Logan was sitting outside in his wheelchair, and he beckoned Kendall over as he approached.

“Sit down, son,” he said. “I have to tell you something.”

Kendall sat down facing his father. He thought maybe Logan was going to say I love you son, or I’m proud of you, or maybe I’m sorry I called you a fucking idiot that time.

Instead Logan said, “There’s a rat on board the ship. Someone has been passing information to the Pierces.”

“Who?”

“I don’t know, I just know the Pierces are planning to ambush you. Whoever the rat is will set up a meeting between you and Nan Pierce. That’s when they plan to kill you.”

“How do you know?”

“I have my underground sources.” Logan looked old and tired, and Kendall wondered if this was just paranoia. Rose the cat wandered over and climbed into Logan’s lap. “Just remember, whoever sets up a meeting with you and Nan is the mole.”

“Okay, Dad.” Kendall nodded, humouring him. “Thanks. I’ll remember.” He watched his father stroking his cat. A stray that Logan had adopted, just like Tom.

“You’re my boy,” said Logan. “You’re my number one boy.”

…

Logan died at home, a few days after his 81st birthday, while listening to his voicemails in the bathroom. After noticing that Logan had been in there for a while, Marcia had to get Tom to break the door down. It was too late.

Kendall was with Rava when he got the call from Frank. When the call ended, he turned to Rava and said numbly, “He’s gone.”

“Oh Ken, I’m sorry…” Rava stepped up and put her arms around him. He held her as tears streamed down his face. “Was it…” She stepped back to look at him. “Was he killed?”

“No.” Kendall shook his head. “It was a stroke.”

“Oh, good…” Rava was clearly at a loss for what to say.

“I’d better call the sibs.” Kendall went to phone Roman and Shiv.

The funeral was eight days later. Kendall gave the main eulogy, followed by a few words from Shiv. Roman sobbed his way through the service and was comforted by Gerri. They went from the church to the mausoleum, where Logan was to be entombed next to Connor. Rava held Kendall’s hand as they stepped into the building, followed by Shiv, who was holding baby Kendall, and TK. Roman remained in the doorway.

“It’s finally a chance for Dad and Connor to get to know each other, I guess,” said Shiv. “What about you?” She turned to Kendall. “Want a top bunk?”

“I dunno,” said Kendall. “I had trouble finishing a scotch with him.”

“He made me breathe funny,” said Roman nonsensically.

Outside, they sat and watched as Logan’s casket was carried into the building. “I’m intrigued to see how he gets out of this one,” said Shiv.

“I can’t do this,” said Roman. He got up and started to walk away. There were a few journalists around taking photos, and some cops watching from a distance.

“How are you, Ken?” Kendall felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see Frank.

“Fine.” Kendall excused himself and went to talk to his godfather alone. “I just uh, feel that I let him down.”

“Oh, no…” Frank shook his head.

“He didn’t like me,” said Kendall, finally putting his feelings into words. “I disappointed him.”

“No, that’s not true.” Frank put a hand on Kendall’s shoulder. “He was an old bastard, and he loved you.”

“You think so?”

“I think so.” Kendall nodded and started to turn away, but Frank added:

“By the way, I’ve set up a meeting between you and Nan Pierce.”

Kendall turned back. “You have?”

“Yeah, with your father gone, she wants to reaffirm the terms of the pact. I’ll let you know the details later.”

“Okay,” said Kendall. “Thanks, Frank.”

He walked away, past where Rava was talking to Shiv and Marcia and over to where Tom was sitting with Greg. He sat down on Tom’s other side. “It’s Frank,” he said in a soft undertone. “He’s the traitor.”

“You sure?” said Tom, equally quietly.

“I’m certain,” said Kendall. He looked at where Frank was now talking to Karl and Gerri, then at Shiv and baby Kendall. “We’ll deal with him after the christening.”

Chapter Text

He knows: he went over everyone, & nobody’s missing.

Often he reckons, in the dawn, them up.

Nobody is ever missing.

- Dream Song 29

The baptism was held at the same church as Logan’s funeral. Shiv carried baby Kendall into the church, followed by TK, Kendall, Rava, Roman, Gerri, Tom and Greg. Marcia had gone back to Beirut, having sold what was her and Logan’s home to Kendall and Rava.

At the altar, the priest poured water over baby Kendall’s head before handing her back to Shiv. Shiv passed the baby over to Kendall while he made his vows, his tiny niece squirming in his arms.

“Kendall Logan Roy, do you renounce Satan?” asked the priest.

“I do renounce him,” said Kendall.

Nan Pierce was stepping out of an elevator with her bodyguard in her hotel, Tern Haven, when the gunman appeared. He fired at the bodyguard first, then at Nan. The bullet hit her squarely between the eyes. The gunman dragged both bodies back into the elevator.

“And all his works?” asked the priest.

“I do renounce them,” said Kendall.

Lester was having a massage when the door to the parlour burst open. Mo pulled himself up on his elbow and reached for his glasses, putting them on. The bullet shattered the right lens of his glasses. Blood poured out of his eye.

“And all this pomps?” said the priest.

“I do renounce them,” said Kendall.

Karl was in bed with a young blonde woman when the hotel door was kicked in. Two gunmen stood in the doorway spraying them both with bullets. The woman screamed—

“Kendall Logan Roy,” said the priest. “Go in peace, and may the Lord be with you. Amen.”

…

After the ceremony, the family posed for photos outside the church. “TK, I’ve got a job for you,” said Kendall to his brother-in-law. “I want you to go home and wait for my instructions.”

“We’re supposed to be going to the mausoleum—” Shiv began.

“Hey Shiv, this is work,” said TK, clearly eager to be a part of the family business.

“It’s an important job, Shivvy,” said Kendall. “Roman will go with you to the mausoleum.” Roman nodded at Kendall and put an arm around Shiv, leading her and the baby to his car. TK made for his own car.

“Hey Ken, if you need me for anything, I’m available,” said Greg when it was just the two of them on the steps of the church. Rava was saying goodbye to Shiv and Tom was talking to Gerri over by her car.

“Thanks, Greg,” said Kendall, looking at his phone. The news of Nan Pierce’s death was yet to break.

“And I just want to say good luck,” Greg continued.

“Good luck?” Kendall repeated.

“Yeah. The business has to change, I feel. Because I helped clean it up, you know? But I, you know, I made copies of a few key documents related to all that stuff, in case I got into any trouble at all? So I would just think, like, anybody would be wise to keep me in a good role.”

When Kendall turned to face his cousin he was smiling. “Greg, you little Machiavellian fսck. I see you, Greg. I like it. And I do have a job for you, if you’re interested?”

…

Later that day, Frank came to collect Kendall from his home to take him to his meeting with Nan Pierce. Kendall, Tom and Colin, Logan’s bodyguard, who was now Kendall’s bodyguard, walked towards Frank’s car.

“You go ahead,” said Kendall, stopping before he reached the car. “I’ll make my own way.”

“You can’t do that,” Frank protested. “It’ll screw up my arrangements.”

“Sorry, Frank.” Tom came to a stop too. “I’m not coming either.”

Jamie Laird, one of Logan’s enforcers, was walking towards them. Frank looked from Colin to Laird with dawning comprehension. He turned to his godson.

“Is there any way we can stop this happening, Kenny?” he asked, with only a slight tremor in his voice.

Kendall shook his head. “I’m sorry, Frank. It’s too late.”

“It was just business,” said Frank. “It was nothing personal.”

Kendall nodded. “Make it quick,” he said to Laird, then walked back to the house with Tom.

“We found Fikret,” said Tom, looking at his phone. “He’s still in Shanghai. Got an address.”

“Good,” said Kendall. “I’ll deal with him personally.”

…

TK was at home looking at his phone when he heard a key in the door. Kendall let himself in, followed by Tom. TK put the phone down as Kendall said, “You have to answer for Connor, TK.”

“Ken, you’ve got it all wrong...” TK started to protest. He tried to stand up but Tom pushed him back down in his chair and took his phone.

“You lured Connor into a trap,” said Kendall. “That little farce you played with my sister? The phone call?” He laughed. “How dumb do you think we are?”

“Ken, I’m innocent,” TK pleaded. “I swear on everything. Please, Ken, don’t do this to me.”

Kendall pulled up another chair and sat down. “Nan Pierce is dead,” he began. TK’s eyes widened. “So is Lester McClintock. Karl Muller. Frank Vernon.” TK’s lip started to tremble. “Today I settle all family business, so don’t tell me you’re innocent, TK. Admit what you did.”

TK said nothing.

“Get him a drink,” Kendall said to Tom, who went to fetch TK a drink. “Come on. Don’t be afraid, TK. You think I’d make my sister a widow? I’m Godfather to your daughter, TK.” Tom handed TK a glass of whiskey. “Go ahead, drink.”

TK took a big sip of whiskey. His hand was shaking.

“Maybe you didn’t mean for it to go so far,” Kendall continued. “Maybe you didn’t know it would be a hit. Only don’t tell me you’re innocent. Because it insults my intelligence — and makes me very angry.”

TK nodded.

“When did the Pierces approach you?” asked Kendall.

“After the beating.” TK started to sob.

“After Connor beat you up?” TK nodded, still crying.

“The Pierces — Nan Pierce wanted revenge for the murder of her cousins. I didn’t know it was going to be a hit, I swear.” TK looked imploringly at Kendall. “I just wanted Connor humiliated…”

“Good,” said Kendall as Tom watched impassively. “See how much better it feels to tell the truth?”

TK nodded. “What now?”

“You’re out of the family,” said Kendall. “That’s your punishment. You're being Shanghai’d. Tom here will take you to the airport.” He nodded at his brother. “I’ve got you a fake passport, and a one-way plane ticket. You will never contact my sister or my niece ever again. Is that clear?”

“Yes.” TK went limp with relief. “Thank you, Kendall…”

“Just go.” Kendall took the drink out of TK’s hands. “Get out of my sight.”

TK nodded and stood up shakily. Tom handed him his coat. TK followed Tom outside to the waiting car. Kendall came to stand in the doorway, watching.

Tom got into the driver’s seat as TK got into the passenger seat. Then Greg, who was in the back of the car, lunged forward and wrapped a rope around TK’s neck. TK gasped and struggled as Greg pulled on the rope. Tom watched as TK thrashed, kicking at the windshield until his body finally went limp.

Kendall walked out to the car. He looked at TK’s body and nodded at Greg.

“What now?” asked Tom.

“Dump him in the Hudson,” said Kendall.

…

Kendall was in his office at home, formerly his father’s office, feet up on the desk, when Shiv burst in. Tom and Greg, who were standing in front of the desk, turned around. Rava, who had let Shiv into the house, followed her.

“Kendall, you bastard!” Shiv flew at her brother where he was sitting. “You killed my husband! You waited until Dad was gone so nobody could stop you, and then you killed him. You blamed him for Connor — you always did. But I loved him! Now what am I going to do?”

Tom tried to comfort Shiv, putting an arm around her, but she pushed him away. Kendall stood up, nodding at Tom and Greg to leave them. Only Rava stayed in the room with Kendall and Shiv.

“Ask him how many men — and women — he had killed today,” Shiv said to Rava. “That’s your future husband!” She flew at Kendall again, pounding at his chest. Kendall managed to get hold of her arms and held her in an embrace. For a moment Shiv let him hold her, sobbing against his shoulder, but then she pulled away. “Get the fuck off me!”

“Shiv,” said Rava gently. “Let me get you a drink…”

Shiv shook her head. “You’re my daughter’s godfather,” she shouted at Kendall. “You’re her godfather, and you have her father killed? I’ll never forgive you, Kendall, never.” 

Rava watched as Shiv stormed out. She heard the front door slam behind her.

“She’s hysterical,” said Kendall immediately. “Hysterical…”

“Kendall, is it true?” said Rava. “TK, and those other people…”

Kendall shook his head. “Don’t ask me about my business, Rava.”

“Is it true?” Rava repeated.

“Enough!” Kendall slammed his hand on the desk, sounding like his father.

Rava stood her ground, looking Kendall in the eyes.

“Alright.” Kendall visibly calmed down. “This one time, I’ll let you ask me about my affairs.”

“Is it true?” Rava whispered. She had to know.

Kendall met her gaze. “No,” he said sincerely, shaking his head.

Rava let out a sigh of relief. She went to Kendall and he hugged her, kissing her face tenderly.

“I guess we both need a drink, huh?” Rava let out a soft laugh. She went out to the hall to fix them both a drink. As she did so, Tom and Greg went back into Kendall’s office to resume their meeting.

Kendall sat back down at his desk as Tom walked over to him. Greg turned to shut the office door. He met Rava’s eyes briefly, and she watched nervously as the door closed between her and Kendall.

Chapter Text

Tom went to visit Sandy Furness the day after Shiv and TK’s wedding. Furness was immediately hostile when his assistant showed Tom into his office.

“All right, start talking,” said Furness.

“I was sent by a friend of Squiggle, the rapper,” explained Tom. “His friend is my client, who would give his undying friendship if you would grant us a small favour.”

“I’m listening,” said Furness.

“Give Squiggle the part in that new war film you’re starting next week.” Tom cut to the chase.

Furness laughed. “And what favour would your friend grant in return?”

“You have some union problems,” said Tom. “My client could make them disappear. Also, one of your top stars has just moved from marijuana to heroin...”

“Are you trying to muscle me?” Furness glared at Tom.

“Absolutely not,” said Tom smoothly.

“Now listen to me, you son of a bitch! Let me lay it on the line for you and your boss, whoever he is. Squiggle will never get that movie! No matter what kind of threats you make.”

“Mr Furness, I’m a lawyer. I have not threatened you.”

“I know almost every big lawyer in New York, who the hell are you?” Furness asked.

“I have a special practice,” said Tom. “I handle one client, Logan Roy. But if you’re not interested, I’ll leave. By the way, I admire your movies very much.”

“Wait,” Furness called after him. “Why didn’t you say you worked for Logan Roy? I thought you were just some cheap two-bit hustler Squiggle was running in trying to bluff me.”

“I don’t like to use his name unless it’s really necessary.” Tom stopped at the door.

“What’s your name, son?”

“Tom Wambsgans.”

“Come to my house for dinner tonight. Here’s my address.” Sandy handed him a piece of card.

“Thank you, sir.” Tom gave Sandy his business card in return.

“I’ll message you with the details.” Tom nodded and departed. Sandy Furness looked at the card with Tom’s name on it, then went to hand it to his assistant. “Check him out.”

…

That evening, Tom was shown around Furness’s estate by Furness and his daughter, who was also called Sandi.

“I heard your sister Siobhan got married yesterday?” said Sandi, making small talk.

“Step-sister,” said Tom quickly. “Logan Roy isn’t my real father, although he did practically raise me.”

“Come here, Tom,” said Furness. “I wanna show you something really beautiful. You do appreciate beauty, don’t you?” He led Tom and Sandi into his stables.

“Dad is obsessed with these creatures,” Sandi explained to Tom.

“This is Khartoum.” Furness pointed out a particularly handsome horse. “I’m not gonna race him. I’m gonna put him out to stud.”

“He’s beautiful,” said Tom.

“Let’s get something to eat, huh?” said Furness.

Over dinner with the two Sandies, Tom explained: “Mr Roy is Squiggle’s godfather. That’s a very religious, sacred, close relationship.”

“I respect that,” said Furness, chewing. “But this is one favour I can’t give him.”

“He told me to make you an offer you couldn’t refuse,” said Tom. “Name your price.”

“You don’t understand. Squiggle never gets that movie. That part is perfect for him, it’ll make him a big star. And I’m gonna run him out of the business, and let me tell you why.” Furness stood. “It’s because of his connection to Logan Roy.”

“I don’t understand, sir.”

“Your brother — Kendall, is it?”

“Step-brother,” Tom began, but Furness continued.

“Kendall Roy ruined one of Furness Media Groups’ most valuable proteges. For five years we had her under training. Singing lessons, acting lessons, dancing lessons. I spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on her. I was gonna make her a big star! Jennifer was beautiful, she was young, she was innocent. She was the greatest piece of ass I ever had, and I had ’em all over the world!” Sandi sighed and put her head in her hands.

“I’m sorry sir, I still don’t—”

“And then Kendall comes along and she runs off. He flew her out to New York to spend the week in bed with him. She dropped out of the play she was in to do that. And then, when he’d had his fun, he dumped her. And do you know why he dumped her? Because his daddy didn’t like her!”

“I’m sorry to hear that, but—”

“She threw it all away and made me look ridiculous! And a man in my position can’t afford to be made to look ridiculous!” Furness shouted. “Now you get the hell out of here! And if your boss tries any rough stuff, you tell him I ain’t no record producer! Yeah, I heard that story.”

“Thank you for the dinner and a very pleasant evening,” said Tom. “I should go. Mr Roy is a man who insists on hearing bad news immediately.”

“I’ll show you out,” said Sandi.

…

The next morning Furness woke up in his large bed to find the bedsheets wet. He sat up, confused. The sheets were soaked with blood.

He pulled back the cover. There was a horse’s head — the head of his prize horse, Khartoum — lying in the bed with him.

He screamed — and screamed — and screamed—

…

Sandy Furness put out the hit on Logan Roy later that day.