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.
I recounted the events of the past few days, the trail I’d followed that had turned up at a dead end. Then the information I got from Eden. The visit to Goldie and his arrest. The details he’d given me of the suspected meth lab. Conall’s visits to Eden and his threats. Goldie’s assault of her.
I paused, taking a breath and another glug of beer.
“So, she’s willing to testify. That’s good but not enough. Plus, we know what Conall’s like. Would do anything to keep himself out of jail.” He nodded thoughtfully, staring out the window behind me.
I got my cell phone out, turning the volume off as I showed him the video of Conall I’d recorded earlier. He frowned with anger as he watched Conall’s rage. I put the phone away.
“He repeatedly threatens her. Tries to break in. Got it all on camera. This enough for a restraining order, sir?” I looked at him expectantly.
“It is if I say it is, and I damn well say it is. I’ll make a call when I get home and get one in place today. Got some old contacts downtown that owe me a favor or two. I’ll get a patrol car near her house to keep an eye out for that scumbag.” I nodded at him, thankful.
“There’s one more favor I need, sir. Like I said, she’s willing to testify. Conall’s given her drugs. He’s forced his way into her house. Threatened and intimidated her. I got a sample of meth off of her, and it turns out it’s exactly the same as the other stuff. She can put that on Conall Down to the time, date, and even the clothes he was wearing.”
He was nodding at me, considering everything I’d said so far.
“But she’s scared, Frank. Not to mention, I’m worried about her. I promised her I’d keep her safe. I want to get her somewhere out of town. Keep the location secret, even from me. You know, in case the worst comes to worst.” I was flooded with concern while thinking of Eden and her pretty face, large eyes and warm smile.
“Ok Jack. You got it. How you gonna get her there? You got a plan?” He half lifted his beer glass as he looked at me expectantly.
“Lucas will help. She trusts him. They’ve known each other for years. So Lucas picks her up and takes her somewhere safe to lay low until we got Conall. He can choose to take one of his trusted cops with him if he wants. They’ll make sure she gets there safe and has someone looking after her. He’s close with a few of the good guys on the streets. People that want Conall behind bars as much as we do. Hell, probably even more than we do. They got kids, families. They want this town safe.”
The Lieutenant nodded thoughtfully.
“Lucas will give me a call when she’s there. When I know she’s safe, I take a visit to this meth lab. See if Goldie was telling the truth. If so, I bust the place. I’ll try and get some of them alive to see if they talk. We’ve already got the meth from Conall, and we got Goldie, who’ll probably sing like a bird. We can put it all together, especially with Eden testifying against him as well. Then, we quickly bust Conall and his henchmen.” I finished my beer with a flourish.
The Lieutenant was shaking his head slightly.
“Good plan, Jack. Except the part where you take down what’s probably a heavily guarded meth lab on your own. I know you’re a good shot, but can you dodge bullets?” He smiled at me, concern on his face.
“We’ll do it as you say. Just go case the lab, check it out first. No heroics, Jack! If it's the place we think it is, call it in. We’ll have to show our hand sooner or later anyway.” He shrugged, draining his beer.
“There�
��s one more thing, Frank. I think some of the detectives are helping Conall out. I reckon he’s probably greased their palms already. They’ll try and makes things difficult if they can. I’m fed up with the department reeking of corruption. I want to take them all down, too.” I looked at him seriously. His eyebrows rose as he looked up at me.
“Listen, Jack. Between you and me, the Captain wants you to take over as lieutenant when I retire. So those detectives will be your detectives soon. If you can get something on them to clean the department out, then go for it. I’ve never been able to get anything on them, slimy fucks.”
“I’ll see what I can do. I’ve got a plan…” The Lieutenant stopped me mid-sentence with a loud laugh.
“You’ve always got a plan, Jack! Now, after you leave here give Lucas a call and get things moving. Start tomorrow, alright? Ain’t got time to sit on our asses. Tell him he’ll get overtime, but I know he’d help anyway. In the meantime, that’s enough work talk. You got a big day ahead of you. I’ll get some more beers. Let's chat like old times. Relax. I got some stories you haven’t heard yet.” He smiled as he went to get more beers.
I leaned back, my mind swirling with everything, Eden’s face appearing in my mind.
Don't worry, babe. Soon this will all be over. When you’re safe, I’ll come get you. Then I’ll never have to leave you again.
EIGHTEEN
Eden
Jack left just after the new door had been fixed securely in place. Heavy wood, secure locks. I didn’t think anyone would be kicking my new door down any time soon. Jack had insisted on paying half, despite my protests. It was nice to have someone to help out Honestly, I’d felt relieved at his insistence, my fears of him using me starting to fade.
Unless he’s merely assuaging his own guilt… Damn it, Eden. Stop it. You don’t have to worry anymore.
I’d felt a weight lift off my shoulders once I’d agreed to testify against Conall. Worries and doubts disintegrated as I’d made my decision, a single-minded purpose taking over. The presence of Jack made me feel safe and strong. I got a feeling he had been bolstered by our proximity, by our intimacy…
I was still glowing from the sex we’d had earlier, my mind filled with thoughts of Jack, his firm muscles, and his confident demeanor. He seemed immaculate, cool, calm and invincible.
He better come back in one piece, or I don’t know what I’d do.
Somehow I knew he would win, but I still had my doubts. I’d only known the guy for a week, but he filled me with certainty. He was the sort of man that spread a relaxed assurance in those around him with apparent ease, allaying fears with a gesture or a few words.
I couldn’t help but admit that I was falling for him already.
He’d left with a few brief words, and I guessed he didn’t really know what to say. I thought he was probably as new to this as I was.
Don’t worry, Jack. I’ve never felt this way either. We can find our way together.
He’d said he was going to speak to his boss and organize a way of getting me to a safe place. Somewhere where Conall couldn’t just turn up with a crew of his boys and take revenge for what he deemed was betrayal.
But it was Conall who’d betrayed me. Filled me with false hope and promises and left me. I knew he didn’t care, that the reason he came back was out of a warped sense of ownership. He left like he was owed something, just by merely being the nephew of the O’Rourke brothers.
Well, he was soon to get his due, I knew that much. One way or another, he wouldn’t be able to hurt me anymore. No more attempts to get at me out of spite and jealousy.
I went about the rest of the evening in peace, safe in the knowledge that Conall wouldn’t dare step near my place again. He was a moron, but he wasn’t completely stupid. He knew what he’d done and knew that Jack had the evidence on his phone. He’d probably be getting drunk, bragging to his cronies about what he was going to do to Jack. False promises. Vague threats.
I occasionally took a peep out of the front windows, hoping for a sight of Jack pulling up in his black car. After the third or fourth time of looking, though, I saw a marked police patrol car parked across the road and down the block a little, in clear sight of my front door.
That should keep any idiots away.
I gave a silent thanks to Jack and the few good cops in his circle, cops I didn’t know but were risking a lot to help someone who used to roll with the guy they were closing in on.
At least the good guys still exist. Not everyone is out for money and power.
***
Sunday began in the same way as any other, relaxing and uneventful. I went through my morning routine, shower, breakfast. I got dressed into some comfortable and functional clothes knowing I’d probably have to leave at a moment’s notice at some point later in the day.
After getting dressed and applying a little makeup I packed a small bag with clothes for about a week, not knowing how long I’d be away for. I knew it wouldn’t be long before Jack made a move, and I’d probably overpacked. The cautious side of told me to take my cash, passport and a few of my favorite personal effects.
Just in case.
I was surprised shortly after packing by a loud, quick knock on the door. I grabbed my things and headed downstairs, dumping my bags on the couch before answering it.
I swung the door open to find Lucas standing there in casual clothes. Simple jeans and a plain t-shirt, hands crossed at his lap.
“Hey, Eden. Can I come in?” He stood there, an apologetic look on his face.
“Sure, Lucas. Come in. I just made some coffee.” I ushered him in and closed the door behind him as we headed for the kitchen.
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 c
losed, 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.”
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