He was looking around, peering into the living room and glancing upstairs as we passed through the hall.
“Nice place you got here. Real nice, Eden. I’m glad you’re doing alright, y’know.” He smiled sweetly at me as he settled into a wooden chair at the kitchen table, hands resting palm down on the table.
I poured us both a steaming mug of strong coffee and took the chair opposite. I looked at him, remembering the cheeky older teenager I’d known as a kid. I barely recognized him these days.
“You’re looking good, Lucas. I’m surprised Maria and those kids haven’t worn you out!” I smiled at him, and he laughed good naturedly.
“Thanks. Nah, they’re good. Most of the time. And Maria tells me what to do. Makes things easy. Ain’t gotta think after a long day of busting boneheads!” His eyes sparkled as he took a sip of coffee.
“Listen. Jack spoke to me yesterday. I’m getting you out of here. Now. I got one of my guys waiting to look after you at a motel outside of town. It’ll just be for the time being, then we can move you somewhere safer and further away if...” He glanced down at his hands apprehensively, then looked up to fix me with an intense stare.
“If Jack don’t come back. But he will, I’m sure of it. This will all be over before you know it.”
“Thanks Lucas. I owe you one. We owe you one. Tell you what, when this is all over me and Jack will take you, Maria and the kids out for a meal. Somewhere real nice.” I blushed as he grinned at me, his face lighting up with realization, and a flash of the cheeky youth I once knew shone through.
“Oh I see. You don’t hang around, do you?” He slapped the table. Coffee mugs bounced worryingly.
“Wow. I’m so happy for you both. I reckon you’ll be good for each other. I mean it.” He nodded at me. I smiled sweetly back at him, glowing at the thought of Jack and me together with Lucas’s blessing. I knew they were good friends and it meant a lot to have him rooting for us.
“Alright then, Eden. Let’s get out of here. Drive’s gonna be indirect. Gotta make sure we aren’t followed. Sorry if we have to go back on ourselves a few times.”
I stood up, pouring the remnants of our drinks into the sink. I steeled myself, taking one last glance around the kitchen before going to grab my bags from the couch. I turned to face Lucas who was standing behind me, expression closed, arms crossed.
“Ok, Lucas. Let’s get out of here.”
***
A little while later we were driving steadily along the interstate out of town, arid pastures as far as the eye could see on both sides. Large cacti loomed all round us, casting a long shadow in the dusty soil. My gaze wandered around the horizon taking in the monotonous scenery with a distracted boredom.
I leaned over to click the radio to a different station, annoyed by the incessant soft rock Lucas had been nodding his head to.
He glanced over his shoulder at me.
“Sorry, Eden. Don’t know what music you like.” He shrugged, eyes back on the road. Dust swirled in front of us, a red haze drifting across my vision in the early afternoon sun.
“Not long now. Almost there. Gonna stop at an old motel, like I said. Ain’t the best, but there won’t be anyone there, most likely. There’s no way Conall is gonna find you here.”
I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes, relaxing into the passenger seat. It felt good to be away from town, and the danger seemed a little more distant.
Lucas pulled the car into the parking lot of a rundown motel.
“We’re here,” he said, stopping the car.
The motel was nothing more than a row of tired rooms. The sun reflected off the windows, dazzling my eyes.
“Your room’s the one in front of us. I got some food in there for you, some water, snacks. Six pack of beers too, in the fridge.” He looked around at the two other cars in the lot. He pointed to one, a few spaces down from ours.
“See that car. That’s Al’s. Me and Al go way back. Hell, we went through the academy with Jack. He’s solid, ain’t never taken a bribe. Nothing more he likes than locking up scumbags. He’s gonna sit there, in his car, until I call him. He’s got a few days of food and fuel, and he’s gonna keep you safe. You get any trouble, you scream or run to his car.”
Lucas wiped a hand over his face, eyes narrow as he spoke quickly.
“I gotta get back home. Maria ain’t well, and the four kids are restless. She’ll never forgive me if I stay here.” He shook his head.
“That’s ok, Lucas. You got me here, safe. Call me if anything happens, okay?” I said, tapping him on the shoulder in thanks. He passed me a key for the room.
“You got it. Now go relax, watch some movies. Have a few beers. Won’t be long before you’re back home and curled up with Jack, or whatever it is you two get up to.” He grunted a laugh as I left the car.
I walked quickly to the door of my room, waving at Lucas as he reversed, car heading off on the road back to town.
Sighing, I entered the room. It was drab and tired Definitely needed a little love, but it was quite spacious, large double bed in the middle to the right. Big fairly modern looking flat screen TV opposite of that. A few bags sat on the table to the side of the TV, next to a large refrigerator.
I opened the fridge, studying the contents. I smiled at the pack of beers Lucas had left for me.
The shower was big and decent enough though a little dirty.
Well, I guess this is my home for a little while. Better get comfy and try to relax.
I looked longingly at the large, sturdy bed in front of me.
If only Jack was with me. I’m sure we could have some fun here. A few days would fly by in an instant…
I dozed on the bed for a few hours after watching a film and having some of the food Lucas had left for me. I rose to grab a cold beer from the fridge.
I felt safe enough but homesick. I was desperately missing Jack’s presence even though we’d only been together for less than a day. I longed for him and could think of little else. The quiet, dull motel room wasn’t helping. My mind swam in a tired haze, imagining our possible future together.
Suddenly, gunshots rang out in the parking lot. My stomach clenched with fear. I heard shouting from a few voices, one screaming in panic. More gunshots rang out from what sounded like an exchange between three or four people. The shots ceased after a brief moment.
Heavy boots approached my motel room door. I stood still, frozen in fear. I didn’t know what to think. I’d assumed without doubt that I was safe here and wondered how Conall had found me.
Well, it isn’t gonna be anyone else. I’m in trouble.
I grabbed my cell with a shaky hand, dialing Jack’s number as quickly as possible. It was answered after ringing for only a second. Jack’s voice calmed me somewhat, urgent and panicked.
“Eden! Conall knows where you are, he…”
“He’s here, Jack! Help me! Where’s Lucas? What happened?” I spoke quickly, knowing I didn’t have long.
“Fuck. He beat Lucas up bad. Real bad, threatened his family. Lucas’s probably on his way to hospital by now. He’s in a bad shape but I’m sure he’ll make it. I’ll be there soon, babe. Hold on!”
I held the phone away from my ear as someone banged loudly on the door. Three slow, ominous knocks.
Knock… knock… knock.
“Jack, I’ll be ok. Get here as soon as you can. I… I love you.” I clicked the phone off, wondering at how I had time to feel sheepish about telling Jack I loved him after only knowing him for a week.
But it was true. I’d fallen for him already. He just needs to save me from Conall one last time, and I’ll show him…
The door was smashed open suddenly, wood splintering with a crunch as it flew inwards, flimsy wood no match for Conall’s huge frame.
Four figures stood at the door. Conall, and three of his trusted, I presumed. One was holding his gut, leaning to one side, blood pouring down a white vest. A grim, pale face stared at me meanly. The other two of his
goons were unharmed, arms crossed against huge, fat chests.
Conall grunted as he saw me.
“Eden. We need to talk, you and me…”
NINETEEN
Jack
I’d returned to my apartment after my meeting with the Lieutenant, resisting the urge to visit Eden. Home, but somehow… not. I frowned as I’d looked around the small space I’d called home for a few years now. The area seemed empty, colorless. Something was missing.
Or someone. Eden.
I sighed, throwing my clothes off casually, walking naked across the kitchen to the fridge and grabbing a bottle of water. I stretched my muscles, rolling my shoulders and loosening my neck muscles. I was tired, but felt good. I felt alive, strong. Like a man.
Eden entered my mind once again as I stood naked at the large window, staring out over the town below me. Cool air brushed my naked skin, invigorating me. I imagined the look on Eden’s face as we had sex, contorting with pleasure as she reached orgasm. I sighed with longing.
I looked down to find myself slightly aroused and struggled to shake the thoughts of sex from my mind.
I’ll see Eden tomorrow or Monday. Plenty of time for that later.
My face hardened as I thought of the task ahead of me. Taking down a big meth operation single handed. Sure, I had all the good cops in the department at my disposal with one quick call to the Lieutenant. He’d told me he’d be by the phone, ready. Bullet proof vest on, gun loaded. He said if I needed immediate backup that he’d be there himself in less than five minutes.
One last hurrah, he’d said. But I’m gonna try my best to do this one on my own. Now it’s personal. No one fucks with Jack Storm, takes him for a fool.
I finished my water and headed for the shower. I had a quick workout as I waited for the water to heat up and the room to fill with steam. I washed quickly and headed to bed, deciding to make it an early night. Or try to at least.
***
I didn’t sleep much. Not with everything swimming around in my mind. My intelligence was a burden sometimes, and it was often impossible to switch my brain off.
Well, apart from when I was with Eden, lying there contentedly after passionate sex. That seemed to do the job quite nicely…
I restlessly rose from bed and quickly ate breakfast after doing some pushups. Powerful muscles lifted my torso up and down easily, and I lost count of how many I’d done. Breakfast was washed down with a strong, black coffee.
My morning ritual complete, I dressed and started to prepare for the long day ahead of me. I pulled on some boxer shorts and a tight white vest. I adjusted myself in the tight underwear, putting myself into a comfortable position. Satisfied, I headed to my wardrobe and grabbed my police issue bullet proof vest and put it on over my shirt, slapping down the velcro and adjusting the snug fabric.
Never been shot, but not gonna take any risks today. Never know when your luck’s gonna run out…
I was incredibly lucky in general and mainly attributed it to my lack of fear, instinct and quick thinking. People sometimes attributed bad luck to their own hesitation and subconscious doubts. Traits I had rarely experienced.
I twisted in front of my full-length mirror to ensure my vest was covering my back properly. Then I dressed in jeans, socks and my snakeskin boots. I put on a stiff, starchy white shirt, buttoning the shirt up to cover my vest. My outfit was completed with my leather trench coat I rolled my shoulders forward as I donned the jacket and turned the collar up.
Well, now I look the part, at least.
I headed to the kitchen and reloaded the clips of my guns that were sitting on the dining table. I took a box of bullets from a drawer and filled a spare clip for each, clicking the bullets into place deftly.
I checked the action of both pistols, clicking a bullet into the receiver, unloading the clip, clicking the bullet out and catching it as it was flung from the side of the pistol. All completed in one swift movement.
Satisfied both pistols were working, I clicked the ejected bullets back into both clips and loaded the guns, holstering one at my hip and putting the smaller of the two into my trench coat’s inside pocket, safeties on.
The Lieutenant had warned me to be cautious, to wait for backup if necessary, but I had other ideas.
My first step was going to be to get to the place. I’d already checked an online map and had visualized its location, the large blue building etched into my memory. There were two main approaches. The large building stretched between two roads on the industrial estate. That was the obvious entry. From what I’d seen as well, there was a narrow alleyway that snaked away from the building to the west, running along a large portion of the wall.
That’s my escape if I need to get the hell out of there. I should probably leave my car near the exit if possible.
The plan was to watch the building for a while from a distance, using my police issued binoculars to spot any signs of activity. Then make a decision based on what I saw. I found I was good at making decisions under pressure and trusted my instincts to see me through this encounter.
I grabbed my binoculars and black, thick rimmed sunglasses as I headed for the door, car keys jingling in my hand as I left the apartment.
A short while later I was in the car, driving casually toward the industrial area of town. I approached my destination from the east knowing where I could park my car just outside of the sight lines of the building. I’d seen what looked like CCTV cameras on the grainy image I’d inspected earlier.
I would be far enough away that my car would likely be a dark blur on the edge of a small screen somewhere in the dingy building. Only a super paranoid, criminal mastermind would think it suspicious, let alone notice me arriving in the first place.
I pulled up just down the road from the building on the opposite sidewalk. A long, sturdy looking chain link fence ran perpendicular from me over to the road on the opposite side of the building. There was no gate on this side of the fence and barbed wire ran thick across the top. Only wire cutters or excellent skill in acrobatics would allow entry from this side, neither of which I had.
A fence ran the same route on the opposite side of the building, and there was a large, chained and padlocked gate leading to the alley I’d spotted on the map.
The front of the building was open to the road, a large, empty parking lot stretching from the building all the way to the sidewalk. A narrow alleyway surrounded the remaining three sides of the building.
I clicked my seat back in the car, obscured in gloom behind dark windows, sitting in the shade of a large, solid building adjacent to where I’d parked. I shuffled in the leather of my chair, settling down to a long stakeout.
I decided to watch the place for a few hours at least, biding my time until I saw something of interest. Nothing happened for a while. No movement, no comings or goings. The large door I could see at the front of the building didn’t open once. The only sign of activity was the steady, slow rise of steam from a large, metal chimney at the top of the flat roof.
Then I saw a car approaching slowly from down the road ahead of me. A nondescript, grey sedan. It pulled up lazily in front of the building, and a large, bald, older man got out. He looked around quickly, eyes resting on my car for a brief second before heading to the metal front door of the warehouse.
He knocked loudly on the metal and the door was opened a few seconds later. I peeped through my binoculars at the entrance, spotting two thuggish figures as they ushered the older man inside. I recognized one of the guys from the other day at Eden’s.
This is the place. I’d thank you, Goldie, if you weren’t such an asshole. No, the only thanks you’ll be getting any time soon is gonna be from your prison wife.
I waited a while longer for any further signs of activity. Another long span of time passed. My eyes narrowed as the steam rising from the chimney began to thicken about twenty minutes after I’d seen the guy enter the building.
Work’s started then, I guess.
I wa
s considering my options when a large black van sped down the road from the same direction the car had come from. It swung violently around the corner, tires squealing. It broke sharply as it screeched to a halt outside of the warehouse.
Three figures got out the car, the flash of chrome from pistols bright in the view of my binoculars. All three looked mean, angry and slightly panicked. Two were white guys I didn’t recognize, but my eyes locked onto the third. Dark black skin, long dreadlocks tied behind his head.
Cathal. So why has one of Conall’s most trusted goons sped here in a hurry?
I cursed aloud, guessing something had got them spooked. I wondered what happened, and my first thought was of Eden. I hoped Lucas had got her safe to wherever he was taking her and made sure she was looked after.
The guy was looking around, his head snapping from side to side, gun held in a tight two-handed grip. His gaze rested on my car. I froze.
I could see his eyes narrow at the car and hoped his vision wasn’t great. He looked away, walking towards the entrance of the warehouse. He poked one of his thugs in the chest and waved him towards my car.
Shit.
I sat there as still as I could, holding the binoculars as the guy swaggered lazily over to the opposite sidewalk. A pistol was held casually at his side, and he was rubbing a fat hand over his clean-shaven head.
Well, I guess now’s as good a time as any. Let’s do this.
I took out my cell and wallet, everything in my pockets that would hinder me, and put them in the passenger footwell. I unclipped the pistol holstered to my hip and slowly lowered the binoculars. The guy was approaching the car, eyes narrowing as he spotted me.
I clicked open the driver's door and rolled out, coming to a kneel behind the door. I was mostly obscured from the thug’s line of sight, and any inaccurate bullets were likely to ricochet harmlessly off of the metal.
“Police!” I shouted, loudly and firmly. “Freeze, you’re under arrest! Put your hands where I can see ‘em!” The guy froze for a second, then brought his gun up to aim lazily at me.
“Fuck you!” Then came the moment I was waiting for. He shot at me, the bullets hissing high and wide above my head and to my right. The bangs echoed loudly from the building behind me.
7+Us Makes Nine: A Nanny Single Dad Romance (Baby Makes Three) Page 70
