I read him his rights, citing him for drug dealing, assault, drug possession, attempted assault and murder of a police officer.
My phone rang just after I’d finished reciting.
An unknown number flashed on the screen as I swiped it to answer.
“Jack Storm,” I said, frowning.
“Jack! It’s Eden. Conall’s here. Banging on the door, he sounds pissed. You gotta get here!” She sounded scared, and I could hear faint banging and shouting in the background.
“Keep the door locked, Eden. Barricade it if you have to. I’ll be there in 5 minutes.” I hung up, looking down at Goldie.
“Looks like I won’t have the pleasure of busting you. Damn shame.” I quickly dialed Lucas’s number, breathing out with relief as he answered quickly.
“Lucas, listen. I need a favor. Sorry for calling you on a Saturday, but you gotta do something for me, now. Grab your badge and gun, get in the car. I’m gonna give you a location. You gotta come bust a dealer, the meth is here in the living room. He’s been shot… twice. Better call an ambulance, too.”
I gave Lucas my location and checked Goldie’s cuffs, snapping them tight against his fat wrists. I tied his legs together at the ankles with a couple cable ties, just to be sure.
Then I sprinted out to the car. Time for a meeting with Conall.
FOURTEEN
Eden
I watched Jack leave, eyes on his naked butt as he walked off to get dressed in the kitchen. I sighed, memories of last night still fresh in my mind. I wanted more of him, and just having him close to me as I dozed was amazing. My heart sank slightly at the thought of a day of loneliness ahead of me.
I guess I’ll have to get used to it, dating a detective. Mysterious. Out there somewhere fighting the bad guys.
I kept thinking of Jack’s naked body. The way he’d been both gentle and dominant, experienced but not selfish. He was muscled yet slim and athletic in the all right places.
I lay in the bed idly for a while, hand resting on my palm as I gazed at the ceiling above me. I wondered at the chances of meeting Jack, the one who was determined to take down Conall. He was the best detective in town, the only one who would stop at nothing to see the streets safe once again.
I felt like it was somehow meant to be that I had a part to play in this too. I didn’t want to put myself in danger, but I didn’t want Conall squirming his way out of trouble again only to rear his ugly head years down the line, when I thought he was finally gone for good.
I didn’t want Jack having to put himself in any unnecessary danger either, which he would if I didn’t testify against Conall. I’d never been in trouble with the law and was well known and respected by folks around town. People liked me. If I said Conall had given me meth and Conall said he hadn’t, well, I knew who people would believe.
I sighed, rising up out of bed. I considered getting out the house. maybe I’d go to see my parents or just watch a few movies and get takeout. I stretched naked in front of my bed, flexing my shoulders and arms. I looked over at the open curtains on the other side of the room.
Oops. giving the neighbors an eyeful. Oh well.
I shrugged, feeling confident in my naked body. I remembered Jack’s reaction, his wide eyes at the sight, lust and desire showing as he took in every curve.
I took a long shower and dressed into some baggy, comfy clothes. I decided to make myself something to eat and laze around for a while before deciding if I was gonna head out later on.
A while later I was still resting on the sofa in the living room, stomach happily full from the big brunch I’d had. A large coffee was in my hands in front of me, hands clasped around the warm mug. My mind was consumed by Jack as I was flicking through the channels on the TV. I felt warm whenever I thought of him. Suddenly, an idea popped into my mind.
He probably lives in an apartment somewhere. There’s plenty of room here, room enough for two of us for sure… If everything goes well, maybe I’ll see if he wants to move in. We’ll definitely see much more of each other if we were living together.
The thought of Jack going to pay that ugly thug with gold teeth a visit made me smile ironically. I felt a grim satisfaction as I remembered the look on Jack’s face when he’d saw the bruise on my cheek. I didn’t think this Goldie was going to get away lightly. In fact, I suspected that one way or another he wouldn’t be seen around town for a very long time.
Some time passed as I sat on the couch, sipping from my mug of coffee. I contemplated moving from my comfortable seat and heading up to get ready and finally giving my Mom a call to see what her and Dad were doing today. I was still sitting facing the TV with the window of my living room in the corner of my vision when I spotted movement on the grass of my lawn. Immediately, my heart froze.
I hoped for a second that Jack had returned from his excursion already, but I knew that wasn’t possible. He had days of work ahead of him if he was to get solid evidence against Conall.
I saw three large men approach my front door, two following behind the lead figure. I turned my head slowly to see an angry Conall rush across my front lawn to the door. Loud banging followed.
Shit. Has he got hold of Jack? Please God, tell me Jack is still safe…
“Eden! You fucking bitch!” he screamed, uncontrolled rage in his voice.
“Open this door now! Or you’ll be in a lot more trouble than you are already.” he ranted, banging savagely on the door.
I was already on my feet, running quietly on the soles to check the door was securely locked. I took a step back, hand on the bannister as I backed onto the stairs, half frozen in fear.
I wasn't sure whether to stay silent or to tell him to go away. Something told me either way he was gonna get even more pissed.
Silence it is, then.
I remembered Jack’s promise and guessed now was as good a time as any to ask for help. I was in serious danger if Conall got in the house.
“I know you been talking to them cops, Eden! Got a source on the inside, says he saw Jack coming over this way last night! Saw him at your window. Same guy says he left by the back this morning!” He paused, swearing either to himself or his goons.
“Eden! You fucking promised me!” I heard a shoulder slam into the door.
I scrambled up the stairs as quick as I could, heading into my room and grabbing my cell phone from my bedside table.
I’d already saved Jacks number, and I dialed it with a shaky hand, breathing steadily in an effort to calm myself down.
Cmon, Jack. Answer. Answer the phone…
His cell rang for a horrible few moments as I waited with baited breath. Then a click, a deep voice answering at the other end.
“Jack Storm.” Relief flooded through me at the sound of Jack, his deep, calm voice loud over the phone.
I explained the situation, panic behind each word.
Five minutes. Better hope Conall doesn’t batter the door down in the meantime, then.
I kept my phone in my hand and gingerly walked downstairs. There was silence outside for a blessed moment. I didn’t expect it to last too long.
I grabbed a big, sharp knife from the kitchen and held it behind my back, edging myself along the wall within sight of the front door. I was well within my rights to stab Conall if he broke in, and I’d damn well go for the throat if he so much as stepped towards me.
I heard his voice sound again, muffled.
“I just wanna talk, babe. Really. Cmon, what happened before was a mistake! I’m sorry.” Silence followed as I held my breath.
It’d been about three minutes, I figured.
The door cracked with a loud impact. I heard swearing from outside the door. Another loud crack, and the door shook with impact from what I suspected was a heavy foot.
A few more hits like that and it’s gonna buckle. Then I’m gonna have three big thugs to deal with…
A cold clarity overcame me. A gruesome resolve as I made up my mind that if they were gonna hurt me, well then, t
hey’d damn well pay for it. I’d smile sweetly at Conall as he approached then slash my knife at his neck.
My eyes widened as I heard the sound of a loud engine revving wildly outside, tires squealing.
A second later there was another impact on the door followed by more cursing from Conall as he screamed in rage. Wood splintered, and I heard the snap of metal.
The door held.
FIFTEEN
Jack
I rushed over to Eden’s, foot hard on the gas as I accelerated violently around the sparse traffic. My tires struggled to grip the road surface as I took corners hard, utilizing the large turbocharged engine of my car. I was determined to get to Eden as quickly as I’d promised, even faster if possible. I had left Goldie awaiting arrest by Lucas, confident he was gonna be taken in alive.
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, wo
rds 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.”
7+Us Makes Nine: A Nanny Single Dad Romance (Baby Makes Three) Page 68