I was worried Conall would have forced his way into the house. My options would be limited, and if I ended up killing him, the rest of his gang would dismantle the lab and clear the hell out of town. I prayed he still didn’t know the world of shit he was in, how much I knew about him already.
I once again had to trust in my wit and the arrogance of those who thought they ran the streets, those that thought they had the police in their pockets, working for them.
Well, you haven’t met Jack storm yet.
I took the last corner at speed, screeching my car to halt a short distance from Eden’s house. I saw three figures at her front door. One large, mean looking thug was landing a heavy kick on the door. I saw it buckle slightly, but the door somehow managed to hold against the blow.
I acted on instinct, grabbing my cell from my pocket and switching the camera on. I jumped from the driver’s seat, hand on my glock as I ran towards the scene, camera trailed on the trio.
I saw the largest of the three, Conall, casually approach the door. I centered my camera on him, edging closer to the scene unfolding in front of me.
“... last warning, Eden! Open this door, now!” He paused to look at his two henchmen, frowning angrily. Bloodshot eyes glared with uncontrolled rage.
What’s got him so pissed? Guess someone saw me in the area last night. There’s no way anyone saw me enter or leave though.
A chill entered my gut and I looked to my right at the houses over the other side of the road. Maybe he’s got eyes on her. Someone watching her house.
Sneaky fuck.
Conall cursed with rage, shouting almost intelligible threats at Eden through the half-broken door. He stepped back to take a run at it, steadying himself for a powerful blow that would probably shatter the locks or the hinges.
I was satisfied. I had enough to get a restraining order already. Intimidation and threats of violence, attempted entry against the will of the owner, who was at home nonetheless.
I walked towards the three. Two turned to look at me with their scarred, ugly visages. Their hands firmly grasped at the guns hidden in their pants.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Conall,” I said, loud and clear.
Conall turned to look at me. I remembered him from my past. He still had massive features, heavily muscled with a beer gut spreading across his waist. He was a couple inches taller and definitely a few pounds heavier than me.
But I was quick, clean. Sober. Dense muscles refined with years of working out, heavy sessions to build muscle. I wasn’t scared. I was confident.
“Ah, Jack. I was wondering when you’d turn up, you fucking snake. Haven’t you heard? I rule the streets, motherfucker!” he screamed, pointing a fat, huge finger toward me.
“No, Conall. You don’t. Animals don’t rule anything other than other animals,” I said, coldly. He snarled at me swiping his hand wildly in a gesture of arrogance and anger.
“I’ve got enough evidence to get a restraining order against you, Conall. You and your three goons, that is. Who, as far as I’m concerned, all took turns trying to kick the door in.” I looked at the three in turn.
One of them was a shade taller and even more heavily muscled than the others. Probably early forties. He wore a sleeveless leather jacket and white t-shirt adorned with a black skull and black jeans. His face reminded me of a shark's, small, black, cold eyes. Mean, sharp looking teeth.
Sharky.
“Who the fuck are you?” he said, frowning at me. “You better get outta here, boy. Before you get hurt. This is between Conall and Eden. Don’t stick your nose where it don’t belong.”
I turned to face the hulking figure.
“Oh, this is my business. I’m detective Jack Storm, and you chose the wrong day to fuck with Eden ‘cause I’m looking after her now. Anyone so much as glances at her funny and they’ll be behind bars. Trust me.” His eyes widened when he heard me say the word detective.
Yeah, you haven’t seen me before. I’m not one of those corrupt oldheads you’ve been dealing with.
“You ain’t got shit on me. If you did, I’d know about it! I got eyes everywhere!” He spat on the grass in front of him, reaching for something in his jacket pocket.
I tensed, hand ready at my glock.
He pulled out a pack of smokes and tapped one out, lighting it up casually.
“So, you been talkin’ to Eden? What’s she said? C’mon, Jack. I know you, you took my uncles down, and I ain’t forgotten. You tell me what she’s said, make a deal with me. Walk away. I’ll see you rolling in the green stuff in a week. A fucking week, man! We can work together!” He grinned at me, looking down at me through his red eyes.
What you mean is I’d be working for you, scumbag. Keeping the heat off you for a few hundred a week. Maybe a couple grand if you had a good one.
“No, Conall. You’ve hit a brick wall. I ain’t like those other cops you’ve been schmoozing. Get outta here before you give me cause to arrest you.” I slowly put my cell in my pocket. I kept my left hand in my trench coat. My right hand hovered carefully above the gun holstered at my hip. My eyes narrowed, concentrating. Waiting for a sign of movement…
The third guy spoke, grunting with derision. “You say you're a cop, right? Well, where’s your badge? Ain’t going nowhere until I’ve seen it.” He crossed his arms.
“Got my badge right here.” In a flash my glock was in my hand, aiming at his forehead. We were about fifteen paces away. Easy shot.
“And before either of you try anything stupid, let me tell you this. I’m the best and quickest shot in the state.” I looked calmly at the three, daring them to test me. If any of them moved now, they would be dead from instinct before I even had time to think.
Silence. All three froze, shocked at how quickly my gun was drawn.
“If any of you want to see if what I’m saying is true, try me. Reach for your shitty guns. Go on.” I nodded at them, willing them to draw their pistols.
Conall slowly raised his hands, palms facing outwards defensively.
“Ok, man. We’ll get outta here. She definitely ain’t worth getting shot over, that’s for sure. I mean, what sort of…”
“Watch it, Conall! Leave. Now.” I’d had enough of him badmouthing and threatening Eden.
The three goons backed away slowly and turned to half jog to their car that was parked down the road.
I kept my pistol trained on them until the car had disappeared around the corner.
SIXTEEN
Eden
The door was almost busted, and I was pretty sure that a good shove from outside would send it falling off its hinges. I waited with breath held, hoping that the car I’d heard was Jack’s. I walked quietly along the hall to peer into the living room and out through the front window.
My heart soared when I spotted Jack walking towards the three, phone held in one hand, the other at his hip. He looked calm and collected and clearly wasn't fazed by the three thugs he was approaching. He stood there in silence for a few moments. I guessed he was recording Conall’s tirade on his cell’s camera.
Clever and handsome. And he’s good in bed…
Conall was still ranting at the door, words spat in a fit of anger. I willed him to have a rage heart attack there and then. Do everyone a favour. I had stopped listening and was smiling while staring at Jack with pride and admiration.
Jack spoke, loud and authoritative to get the trio’s attention. There was an exchange between the them and then responded angrily. Jack remained calm, slowly puting the camera into his pocket.
A few more words were spoken. I was amazed as a gun suddenly appeared in Jack’s hands, aiming directly at them. All I’d seen was a flash of sudden movement and his arm had swept his jacket back and drew his gun. I’d never seen anyone move so quick before.
He’s got you beat, Conall. In every department. Better just leave and not come back.
Jack spoke again, dominant, confident. He stood there for a long moment, eyes narrow
down the sights of his pistol.
A few seconds later I heard a distant car engine start then start to fade as it headed into the distance.
I saw Jack holster his gun and head to the front door. I ran back to the kitchen to put the knife down and brushed my hair back over my shoulder. I looked down at the fetching comfy clothes I was wearing. I hadn’t expected Jack today.
Oh well. I’m not wearing any underwear, that’s something at least...
There was a polite knock on the door and a voice shouted from behind the splintered wood.
“Ma’am? Police! Everything OK in there?” I could hear Jack shout the words through a smile. I beamed happily as I walked to the door, opening the locks gingerly. I swung the door open.
“Hey, officer. Yeah I’m ok. Want to come in and… see for yourself?” I giggled, fluttering my eyelashes at him. He winked at me as he walked in, looking around officially.
“Gonna need to get someone over to fix that door,” he said, closing it gently behind him, wincing as it almost fell off the hinges.
He turned to face me, frowning with a mock serious expression on his face.
“You said you’re ok? Well, I’m gonna need to get a better look, Ma’am. Protocol, you understand.”
I opened my mouth with mock surprise, gasping innocently. I walked towards him.
“Oh, I understand, officer.” I said seductively.
I took my heavy sweater off in one movement, exposing my naked body beneath. I squeezed my breasts together with my hands slowly, eyes on Jack’s.
I stooped to drop my comfy pants I was wearing and stepped out of them towards Jack. I was completely naked and only a few feet away. His eyes widened as he studied my naked body.
“Damn, you’re beautiful. Glad I came back…” I put my finger on his lip, silencing him.
He did just save me from Conall. Probably deserves some sort of reward…
I dropped to my knees in front of him, looking up into his eyes as I undid the belt at his jeans. He was already swollen with arousal as I tugged his jeans down, his erection showing through his underwear.
I quickly pulled his boxers down and massaged his cock gently with a hand, eyes still on his as I took him into my mouth…
SEVENTEEN
Jack
We were back in Eden’s bed, lazing contentedly after sex. I looked down at her, who was smiling up at me.
Can’t get enough of this girl. How am I supposed to get any work done when I’ve got someone this beautiful at my side? Ah well, fuck it. It’s damn well worth it, that’s for sure.
I sighed with happiness, feeling complete for the first time ever. I felt like a large piece had just fallen into place in the jigsaw that was my life.
I kissed her gently on the lips. She moaned with pleasure and happiness, eyes half closing.
“I’ll have a word with the Lieutenant, see if I can get hold of him today. We’ll get a restraining order on Conall and have him put behind bars if he so much as comes to your house.” I frowned, thinking.
“But if you decide to testify, he’ll find out one way or another. So, it’s best we get you somewhere safe.” She was nodding.
“Ok, Jack. I’ll do it. I’m scared, but to think what he’s done, all the people he’s going to hurt in the future. It would be selfish of me to do nothing.” She was looking up into my eyes.
That’s the way, Eden. Damn, you're brave.
“Good. I’ll give the Lieutenant a call and see I if can meet him today. Get this show on the road.” I paused for a second, remembering Goldie.
“Oh, that guy that punched you. You won’t be seeing him around anymore. I… paid him a visit. Had a little chat. Told him it wasn’t very nice to hit women.” Eden was staring up at me, large adoring eyes. I smiled with pride, enjoying the attention for a second.
“He didn’t agree with me. Tried to shoot me, in fact. So I had to teach him a lesson the hard way. He even had a big bag of drugs right there on the table. Gonna get busted for a long, long time. He gave me some info on Conall, too. So, thanks, Eden. You’ve done me a favor.”
She was shaking her head, tears in her eyes.
“No, Jack. You’ve done more for me already than any other man ever has. It was the least I could do.” A tear began to roll down her face, and I gently wiped it away with my hand.
“Well, I’m not finished yet. I better get ready. Sorry to leave you again, babe. When this is all done, I’ll take a couple weeks off. We can go somewhere nice, and quiet. Finally relax. What do you think?”
She smiled, wiping her eyes. “Sounds good to me, Jack. Go. Have a quick shower here if you want, then go see your Lieutenant. Go get Conall.”
***
I reluctantly left Eden for a second time that day, after getting ready and calling out someone to fix the door. I waited until it was done before heading back to my car, distracting myself from thoughts of Eden with work.
Conall had very nearly busted the door in, but through his rage he’d been kicking wildly. I knew the right way to kick a door in and could have done it in one swift kick. Eden opted for a much sturdier, thicker door with a strong lock. I had nodded in approval at her decision. Never knew what the unpredictable Conall O’Rourke would do next.
I hoped he’d be sensible and go lick his wounds, get blind drunk, and pass out. I just needed a day or two to fit everything together and assemble all the pieces of evidence into a case. Then I could take him down. I had a feeling that once I got Conall, some of his trusted men would want to make a deal in exchange for a promise to put them in a jail where the O’Rourkes didn’t have influence.
Either way, Conall would go down for a long time if I could reach his meth lab. If I found him there, well that would just be the icing on the cake.
I sat in the car and dialed the Lieutenant's cell. I hoped he wasn’t busy, hadn’t gone away for the weekend. This couldn’t wait until Monday.
The phone rang for a painful minute. Then I heard a click as he answered.
“Jack! What’s up?” He sounded cheerful.
“Sir, sorry to bother you. Hope I ain’t disturbing you. You said to call you any time, right? Well, I need to talk. Got something I need help with, sir.”
“No worries, my cell is always on. Evil don’t sleep, and neither do I.” He laughed heartily. I grinned at his humor. He paused for a second, and I heard footsteps then a door open and then close.
“Marlene’s driving me crazy, anyway. Seems to think I’m retired already, asking me to mow the lawn. Fix the fence. Put up a shelf. Tell you what, let’s grab a beer or two. Talk things over?” His voice was almost pleading, and I guessed he was desperate to get out the house.
“Sounds good to me, sir. I’ve built up quite a thirst. Been a busy day already. You know the bar in town, opposite the precinct? Want to meet there?” It was a small, quiet bar that had good beer. We were unlikely to have any unwanted listeners there.
“Enough with the sir, Jack. It’s the weekend. Sure, I’ll meet you there. Give me twenty minutes. Beers are on me.”
“Whatever you say, Frank. So, I’m getting beers on the department, now am I? Well, this day just keeps getting better!” I heard him laughing down the phone.
“Right, see you there. Just gotta tell Marlene I’m leaving her. For the afternoon, that is.” It was my turn to laugh.
“Good luck sir… Frank. See you soon.”
I put the car into drive and took a slow route through town. The journey wasn’t far, and I had a bit of time to kill. My mind went over all the evidence I had so far and how I was gonna put everything together.
I just needed to bust the meth lab without word getting to Conall first. I figured Sunday would be as good a day as any. Probably wouldn’t be expecting a visit from the cops, with any luck. Though I knew what hard core meth dealers were like, paranoid at the best of times violent and unpredictable at others. Some would do anything to avoid jail. They would much rather die trying to escape than get locked up.
I figured they probably wouldn’t go down without a fight. That suited me just fine. A few less scumbags on the streets was never a bad thing.
I arrived at the bar just before the Lieutenant rolled up in his large saloon. I waited near the entrance as he parked and got out the car, groaning at a bad leg as he straightened, hands on the small of his back.
Damn, when did you get so old? You used to be invincible, hard as nails. Well, the department is in safe hands. You don’t have to worry about that, old friend.
I glanced at his car. Large, expensive alloys gleamed silver in the late afternoon sun.
So that’s what a Lieutenant's wages can afford? I could get used to driving something like that…
“Jack. Great timing, as always! Good to see you.” He walked over, arm extended and with a wide grin on his face. I shook his hand, a strong, thorough handshake that rattled my shoulder.
“You too, Frank. Hope Marlene’s not too pissed.” I raised an eyebrow at him as we turned to enter the bar.
“She’s always pissed, Jack. You get used to it after a while. I figure she’ll calm down when I’m retired. I think she just gets bored when I’m at work, you know. She’s been retired five years now.” He sighed wistfully.
“Yeah, I reckon so. She’ll be glad to have you around.” We walked in the bar, both surveying the few faces dotted around.
“No one I recognize. Still can’t be too careful,” the Lieutenant said, choosing a booth furthest away from everyone else.
I took a seat as he went to grab a couple beers. I accepted one gratefully, nodding my thanks. I took a large, well-deserved gulp of beer, gasping at the cool refreshment.
“Damn, that’s good. What is it?” I said as the Lieutenant gulped down a third of his in one go. I raised my eyebrows, a half smile on my face.
“Locally brewed IPA, strong and hoppy. My favorite.” He set his glass down and leaned forward.
“What you got for me, Jack?” He spoke low, and there was no way anyone else could hear us. I took a quick glance around, taking a small sip of beer. I turned to face the Lieutenant, confident no one was eavesdropping on us.
Say Yes, Senator: A Best Friend's Little Sister Political Romance Page 57
