Declan

by Ava Manello

  The weather is not being our friend this evening; the night sky is clear and bright leaving no shadows for us to hide in. I’d have been happier with cloud cover or even rain. We’ll just have to make the best of what we’ve got.

  The MC’s arrive and they’re noisy as fuck. Lucky for us it doesn’t appear that the enemy has noticed them. I can’t tell if they look impressed or overawed by the weapons that we hand them. I think it’s a mixture of both.

  “That’s a big building to cover.” Angel whispers. He’s right. There’s more than one floor and there are windows all around it.

  “It’s not as bad as it looks, our surveillance has shown that the upper floor is empty, we’ve only got the ground floor to worry about.” I reassure him.

  We’ve counted around thirty guards which means that we’re massively outnumbered, but I’m confident that stealth will see the odds reversed.

  I manage to persuade the MC’s to let us go in and clear the perimeter and we’ll let them know when we need them to join us. Viper’s not happy about it, but the others soon convince him he has no choice.

  Cam pointed out the trip wires and sensors to them. They’re not equipped to deal with them without setting off an alarm. We are, it’s that simple.

  I can see the curiosity in the eyes of the MC members. They’re burning with questions, now isn’t the time or the place for them.

  My team set off, shadows in the night. It doesn’t take them long to secure the perimeter. We made the decision that there will be no live casualties. Even my experienced ear can’t hear the sound of the approach, nor the throats being cut as each assailant is overpowered. So far, so good.

  Once the exterior is cleared we lead the MC guys into the heart of the building. A few of the workers are huddled in one corner of the large room whilst Chris covers them with a gun. These guys aren’t a real threat, but they’re witnesses and they won’t see the morning.

  The huge white spotlights create no shadows in the room, there’s no place to hide. The centre of the room is filled with long trestle tables where they’re mixing the drugs. The equipment looks expensive. Chris was right, they’re well funded.

  In the centre of the room Cam has one of the leaders tied to a chair, a black bag over his head.

  Cowboy and Angel are still taking it all in. I walk over to them and realise from their shocked appearance that I probably look a little scary right now. I’m covered in a mix of blood and dust.

  “We’ve got it under control here. It might be better if you guys get out of here and let us finish it off.” I whisper, indicating the guy in the chair. “Plausible deniability and all that.” Cowboy looks like he wants to throw up.

  “You sure?” Angel asks, relief in his voice.

  They’re about to agree when the loose canon arrives in the room.

  “Not so fast.” Viper interrupts. He heads for the guy strapped to the chair, asking if it’s the one who ordered the hit on his clubhouse.

  “One of them.” I confirm.

  Viper goes over and puts a bullet in the guy’s head. “Fuck”. I didn’t see that coming. We hadn’t finished questioning him.

  Viper stands in front of the body, smirking. The idiot then gets his dick out and urinates all over the dead body.

  “Amateurs.” I mutter under my breath. I finally persuade the MC’s to go home. I can’t risk them fucking up any more of the operation. Whilst we’re armed with guns they leave bullets, and bullets are evidence. I wanted to do as much of this as possible without using them other than as deterrents.

  Viper looks pissed off when I won’t let him take the drugs with him. We’re destroying them. There’s no way I’m letting this poison ruin anyone else’s life.

  The MC is just heading out when one of the drug gang rushes into the room shooting wildly. Fuck it all to hell. I thought we’d cleared that corridor. I react instinctively. One shot from me and he’s down – permanently.

  I hear Angel swear and turn round to see him holding Cowboy. Shit. He’s been hit. Cowboy has passed out. Luckily it looks like the bullet went straight through, he should be okay, just sore for a few days.

  I persuade Angel that they need to leave now. I’ll deal with the rest of it. I let out a sigh of relief when they’re gone.

  Chris has gathered up the paperwork we were able to find, he’ll take that back with him and scrutinise it.

  He passes us a couple of handguns to deal with the workers we’ve got tied up in the corner. The guns are registered to one of the cartels and can’t be traced back to us. With any luck there’ll be enough evidence left when we’ve destroyed the place to make it look like a battle between rival dealers. It’s a powerful enough cartel that it will encourage any other wannabes to stay the hell out of Severed. We hope.

  The fuses are set on the dynamite we’ve set. All the loose ends are tied up apart from one. This one’s personal for me. When they attacked one of the women from Severed they stole a ring from her. It belonged to her late husband. I search each of the bodies until I find it. It’s jammed onto the fat bastards finger and wont come off. I make it come off, discarding the bloody stump of his finger on the floor beside his lifeless body.

  Now I feel like we’ve finished our mission.

  We watch from a safe distance as the warehouse goes up in flames, checking the ruins afterwards to make sure that none of the drugs have survived the fire.

  It’s dawn when we walk away from the wreckage.

  Chapter Thirty Six

  Holly

  I don’t know what happened last night, just that something big went down and they brought Cowboy back almost dead.

  I know that Declan was involved. I just don’t know if he’s in the same state as Cowboy or not.

  The pubs locked up tight when I arrive, and there’s no sign of Declan or his friends he said were staying over. I sit on the back step waiting, hoping.

  A black van pulls into the yard and a group of guys jump out, patting each other on the back and congratulating each other. They go quiet when they see me.

  I don’t see Declan; my heart halts as I search the camouflaged faces, seeking out those bright blue eyes. I can’t see them.

  The passenger door of the van closes noisily; it’s the wrong side of the van for me to see who it is. I hold my breath as I wait to see who’s going to walk around it.

  “Declan!” I screech, running towards him. I inspect him with my eyes, up and down his body. Fuck, he looks hot in the black overalls he’s wearing. Thankfully I can’t see any damage, although he’s covered in a mixture of blood, sweat and dust.

  The guys look at Declan in surprise, especially when he dismisses them with a nod. “Later guys, debrief after breakfast.” They leave without a word. Who are these guys?

  Declan places his hand on my arm and almost drags me along beside him to the back door of the pub.

  “What are you doing here?” He asks between gritted teeth. It’s not the reaction I was hoping for, but it is the reaction I was expecting after our fight the other day.

  “I needed to know you were okay.” I whisper.

  “I told you to stay away, Holly.” He sighs. “You’re not safe around me.”

  “I’m a grown woman, Declan.” I snap. “I’m old enough to make my own decisions, to choose the company I keep.”

  I turn to face him, grabbing his head between my hands and pulling his face towards mine. I kiss him deeply. He resists for a moment and I think all is lost, and then he returns my kiss.

  “Look at you, dirty boy.” I smirk as I take a step back. “I think we need to get you in the shower.”

  Declan throws his head back and laughs. “Well, it would be rude not to.” He agrees.

  Chapter Thirty Seven

  Declan

  After a hot and steamy reunion with Holly in the shower I joined the guys for breakfast. There were a few curious glances when Holly joined us.

  “I’m pleased for you, Declan.” Cam pats me on the back when he sees Holly tak
ing more food over to the others. “That girl has put the smile back on your face.” He grins.

  He’s right. Holly has put the smile back on my face. Just a few months ago I didn’t think it would happen. I’m so grateful that I was wrong.

  “She has, Cam. I’m just worried I’ll hurt her.” I confess.

  “Why?” He queries. “The nightmares? Chris told me what happened at his place.”

  “Yeah. What if I hurt her?” Chris looks thoughtful.

  “You’ve gotten over the first obstacle mate by realising something is wrong. You can get help. The Army has doctors who specialise in this kind of thing.” Chris sits down at an empty table and gestures for me to sit beside him.

  “I’ll make an appointment.” I promise him.

  “So, are you staying here?” He looks around the empty bar. “You’ve done a great job with it.”

  “I don’t know.” I tell him. “Part of me wants to, but if I stay then that’s admitting that there’s a chance of a relationship with Holly. The other part of me says to get the hell out of Severed and never see her again, for her own safety.”

  Chris contemplates my words. “Only you can make that decision, Declan. I can’t make it for you. I think she makes you happy, I like the Declan I see when she’s around you, but only you know how you’re feeling inside.”

  He’s right. I’m the only one who can make this decision, although right now I wish someone would make it for me.

  “Hey, lover.” Holly calls, bringing fresh coffee over to our table. She sits herself on my knee and plants a kiss on my cheek.

  “What’s that for?” I ask.

  “I’m just glad you’re safe.” She grins.

  Holly has such a simple way of looking at life. All she wants is for her friends and family to be happy and safe. I wish I could be more like her.

  I look around the bar, filled with my friends and realise that for the first time in ages I do feel happy.

  I just wish I didn’t also feel like a ticking time bomb.

  Chapter Thirty Eight

  Declan

  Chris and the guys stayed in Severed for a couple of days and it was like old times. We drank, we partied, we played poker and I lost.

  It’s been good to spend time with them. I’m going to miss them, but they’ve all got their own lives to lead away from here.

  We’ve agreed that we’re not going to lose touch with each other, and re-avowed that if anyone needs help he only has to make a call and the others will be there to support him.

  As we’re hoping that’s not going to happen we’ve also agreed to a meet up in Melbourne in a few months time.

  It’s hard saying goodbye to Cam, as he’s still the one that I feel closest to. If it weren’t for him I wouldn’t be in Severed.

  “You do realise this is all your fault, Cam?” I tell him.

  “What’s my fault?” He asks, fake hurt in his voice.

  “That I’m here in Severed. I’d never have heard of the place if it wasn’t for you.”

  “Ah.” He pats me on the back. “In that case I can also take credit for introducing you to Severed which means you met that hot girl of yours as well.” He smirks. He’s got me there. Living in Severed hasn’t been all bad.

  “You decided what you’re doing yet?” He looks at the pub behind us. “You staying or going back to Harvey?”

  Holly chooses that moment to walk up behind him to say goodbye. She hears the line about staying or going and the hurt in her face is clear when I can’t answer either of them. Holly gives Cam a hug goodbye, but doesn’t stay around.

  I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. I don’t know where I belong, or where I should go.

  As the van drives off to take the guys back to the airport I return to my apartment in the pub.

  Sue’s ring is sitting on the drainer in the kitchen. I’ve cleaned it up for her, but not had chance to return it yet.

  I write a short note.

  Sue, I understand that this belongs to you and I wanted to return it. I know how much this means to you. I hope it brings you some peace. Your friend Declan x I seal the ring in an envelope with a note and ask one of the bar staff to drop it off for me on their way home after their shift.

  I’ve tied up the last of the loose ends here in Severed, now I just need to decide if I’m staying or leaving.

  Chapter Thirty Nine

  Holly

  This morning has been a whirlwind of emotions. I left Declan and his friends at the pub, my heart breaking at the thought that he could even consider leaving us.

  I’m under no illusion that this is some great romance, but I did think that what we shared was special and deserved a chance to see where it leads. I guess I was mistaken, for him it was obviously nothing more than hot sex.

  There was uproar when I returned. Teresa had gone into premature labour and I watched them deliver her baby on the clubhouse floor. Through her tears I managed to make out that it had been triggered when she heard that Prez had come out of his coma, he’s going to be okay.

  The baby looks fine and I managed a quick cuddle before the paramedics took him and his mother off to the hospital to be checked out.

  It’s nice to see something good happen at the club after all the heartache they’ve gone through recently. It looks like Cowboy has finally found someone as well. I’m so pleased for him and Lucy. He’s suffered so much, and held it all in.

  That suffering reminds me of Declan. Lucy’s helping Cowboy get over his demons. I’m pretty sure if Declan gave me a chance I could help him get over his.

  “Holly, you got a moment?” I turn to see Eve gesturing to me.

  “Sure, Eve. What’s up?” She looks like she’s got a secret that she’s busting to tell. I love how enthusiastic Eve can get, I’m so happy that she’s part of the club. She’s good for everyone here.

  Eve’s waving a piece of notepaper in front of me, teasing me with it.

  “What’s that?” I try to look at it, but she won’t stop wafting it and I can’t see what’s written on it.

  “Proof that you’ve found a good guy.” She giggles.

  I’m confused and reach for the paper, but she holds it out of my reach.

  “Eve!” I laugh. “Give it up or I’m going to have to take it by force.” I joke.

  “That’s better.” She smiles, handing me the note. “I much prefer your happy face, you were looking far too serious there.” She walks off pleased that she’s achieved her goal.

  I look at the paper in my hand, not quite understanding what it is. It’s a note from Declan to Sue. I’ve heard about this. He found her stolen ring for her and returned it.

  Eve’s right. This is proof that I’ve found myself a good man. Now I just have to fight for him.

  Chapter Forty

  Holly

  All the way over to the pub I’ve been second-guessing myself.

  What if Declan really doesn’t want me? What will I do?

  I pull the truck into the yard at the back of the pub and switch the engine off.

  I’m about to get out when I spot Declan. He’s coming out of the back door of the pub with his arms full of luggage. I watch as he goes over to the bike and packs his bags into the pannier.

  I’m too late. He’s made his decision and he’s leaving me.

  I sit back in the drivers seat and close my eyes, willing the tears to stay away. I can do this. I’m stronger than this I tell myself even as I feel the track of a tear on my cheek.

  There’s a tap on the drivers window and it startles me. It’s Declan. He’s standing there, looking serious. I wind the window down.

  “Can we talk?” He asks.

  I nod my head and wait for him to tell me that he’s leaving.

  “Outside the truck would be better.” I nod my head and he opens the door for me, helping me step out. “Let’s go for a walk.”

  Declan takes my arm and walks us past his packed up bike. I can’t bring myself to look at it. It hurts too much.
We walk around the front of the pub and onto the main street without speaking.

  “Holly, I…”

  “Declan, I..” Our words cut each other off. After the silence we’ve both chosen the same time to speak.

  “You first.” He tells me. Shit. I don’t want to go first.

  I can’t look at Declan so I talk to the empty street in front of us.

  “Look, Declan. I get it. You need to get away from here. I’d hoped that we might have a future together, but I understand. You’ve got to do what’s right for you.” I pause to draw in a deep breath. “Thank you for the time we’ve had together.”

  I feel Declan’s hand grasp mine and he turns me to face him.

  “Silly girl.” He whispers, reaching in and kissing me on the nose. “You’re my silly girl though.” He smiles. “I’m not leaving you, Holly.”

  I look at him in disbelief. “What?”

  “I’m not leaving you. I think there’s something between us and I want to see where it goes.” He leans in again to kiss me. “If that’s what you want?” He suddenly looks unsure.

  “But, your bike?” I bluster. “You’re packing, you’re leaving.” I can’t seem to get the words out.

  “Yes, I’m packing.” He smiles. “No, I’m not leaving. We’re leaving. Together.”

  “I don’t understand?” I look around the empty street as if it will give me the answers. It doesn’t. I’m still none the wiser.

  “I figured we needed a few days away from here. Just the two of us. I was packing for us.”

  I’m still standing in the street, my mouth opening and closing like a fish, no words coming out.

  “Holly, would you come on a romantic escape with me?” He invites me. “Just you, me and a cabin in the middle of nowhere for a few days?”

  Will I? Fuck yes I will. I realise that I haven’t actually answered him. “I’d love to. Yes please. When? Where?” I’m still not making sense nor can I string together a complete sentence.