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, they’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 le
ather 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.
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