Storm - Dominant Protectors Book Two

by Jack Ellison

  “Here goes nothing,” I said aloud, sighing as I rose to leave for the bar.

  I rehearsed my story about how I’d gotten my black eye in my mind as I walked to the bar. I didn’t need Charlie to believe me, in fact I wanted the opposite. And anyway, if he was as good a detective as Cindy had said he’d see through the bullshit anyway. No, it was anyone else who might be listening that I needed to convince.

  I needed to convince them I was still covering for Mickey. And that I wasn’t interested in talking to a cop.

  My heart felt slightly heavy as I arrived for work, knowing that I’d need to brush Charlie off casually if I wanted the ruse to work. But something told me he was sharp, that he noticed things others didn’t. I was confident he’d understand, maybe even play along.

  God, I hope so. I don’t want to ruin things before they’ve even started.

  I steeled myself with a deep breath before entering the bar, looking around casually and smiling furtively at the few faces I saw dotted around. As I’d expected, there were only a handful of drinkers in so far tonight. And only a few more would likely come and go before the end of the night.

  Most faces I recognised, but there were one or two I didn’t. A guy sat in the booth nearest to the bar smiled at me as I walked past, a little too menacingly.

  OK. So I’m guessing I’ve got an audience then. Stay cool, Abi. You can do this.

  I swapped with the girl Amy who’d been covering the early shift. She winced when she saw my face, but didn’t say anything. We barely knew each other as we’d never worked a double shift together, and I guessed she thought it was probably better not to ask.

  I was glad to not have to repeat the story for a tenth time already today.

  I set about serving the regulars, chatting away with them calmly as they nursed their beers. I brushed off their concern over my bruised face, explaining the imaginary drunken fall I had on Saturday. A couple of the guys laughed good naturedly at my story. I made sure I said it loud enough for those sitting in the booths near to the bar to hear.

  As I’d expected, only a few more drinkers turned up over the course of the evening, and the shift was slow. It would almost have been boring, if my heart wasn’t hammering in my chest at the thought of seeing Charlie again.

  A little while later the door swung open, and a tall figure walked in. My eyes widened when I saw Charlie standing there as he surveyed the drinkers in the bar.

  He was wearing his usual jeans and shiny boots, doubled with an immaculate bleached white shirt which fitted his athletic form perfectly. His black leather trenchcoat adorned his broad shoulders, the collar turned up against the rain that was pouring down outside.

  He brushed water off of his short blonde hair as he approached the bar, and I saw the muscles of his arm strain against the leather of his jacket.

  I felt a tingle of desire mixed with nervousness as I studied him, feeling immediately safe at his presence. I figured it was gonna be a short visit, but all the while he was here I was untouchable.

  I smiled at him as he approached, his eyes meeting mine as he looked up. He immediately frowned with concern as he saw the bruise on my face.

  “Hey, Abi. Everything alright?” he said, in a deep voice strained with genuine worry.

  Yeah. Well, it would be if you kissed it better...

  “Hey. Yeah, everythings fine. Nothing to worry about. Just had an accident when I was out drinking with a friend on Saturday night. Stumbled right into a door I thought she was gonna hold open for me!” I giggled nervously, brushing my hair back over an ear as his gaze intensified, he eyes studying my features.

  Good. He thinks it’s bullshit. Now for phase two...

  “Can I get you a drink?” I said, hands on the bar in front of Charlie. I longed to lean over, grab him by his shirt, bring his face down to meet mine...

  He was still frowning at me as I spoke, and I could see his mind working behind his clear eyes.

  “Yeah. Sure, I’ll take a pale ale.” He took a seat on a stool, drumming his fingers on the bar as I poured his drink.

  I turned to look at him as I poured the beer. He was still looking at me, his expression fixed with concern and consternation. I think he’d already worked out what had happened, and was already thinking about getting revenge.

  Or at least, that’s what I’m hoping...

  I took a deep breath as I approached, putting the glass down gingerly in front of him. I needed to get this part just right, or I was afraid I’d never see him again.

  “Listen. I don’t think we should meet on Thursday. I uh... well I don’t think I’m ready for anything yet. I’m sorry. I hope you understand.” I looked into his eyes, my expression pleading.

  Please...

  His face lit up in a broad, friendly smile and he sat back, taking a long drink from his beer. He set the glass down in front of him then looked back into my eyes.

  “Sure thing, Abi. If you say you ain’t ready, you ain’t ready. I won’t bother you any more, darlin’.” His eyes flashed with an unreadable glint as he fished in his jacket for a bill, setting it down in front of me.

  “Keep the change,” he said, rising to leave his seat at the bar.

  Shit.

  I glanced down at the twenty he’d put down.

  “Hey, no that’s too much. I’ll get myself a drink out of it and you can have the rest back. I insist.” I waited for his response with my breath held.

  “Whatever you say, Abi.” He waited for me to open a beer for myself and fetch him his change. I carefully slipped my handwritten note between two fives as I passed him the money, grateful for the brief contact between our hands.

  He winked at me as he walked away, stuffing the change and notes into the pocket of his trench coat.

  He took a seat in an empty booth near the door, facing away from me. I saw him finish his beer quickly then rise to leave, transferring the bills I’d given him from his pocket to his wallet as he approached the door.

  I felt unease as he left, hoping any unwanted eyes had bought the ruse.

  If anyone saw me slip that note into his change, well, then I’m screwed...

  I started slightly as a rough figure approached me at the bar. I recognised the guy I’d seen earlier, who had been grinning menacingly as I’d entered, and had turned to stare when I’d been chatting with Charlie.

  He ordered a straight bourbon and downed it in one, ordering another one immediately after, gasping as he downed the second.

  He looked at me, smiling as he spoke, his voice quiet but with an evil sneer on his face. “You played that well, girl. Keep being good and Mickey won’t have to keep an eye on you so much.”

  He turned to look over his shoulder at the door Charlie had just walked through.

  “But if we see you talking to him again, things won’t go so easy. Don’t want him poking his nose in where it ain’t wanted. If he does start sniffing around, there’ll be trouble. For both of you.”

  He wagged a dirty finger as he left, not even bothering to leave any money for the drinks. One of the regulars, a huge, fat but well muscled ex-logger offered to stop him from leaving without paying. I shook my head, not wanting to cause any trouble now that I had Mickey off my case.

  For now at least. The moron he sent to watch me bought it. I just need to keep my head down until Thursday, then the rest will be up to Charlie...

  Charlie

  I LEFT THE BAR AFTER finishing my beer quickly, my mind racing. Anger was rising up within me, my stomach tight with rage. I’d barely tasted the beer as I drank it, downing the large glass in about three big gulps. My fists were clenched as I walked through the heavy rain, feeling the water starting to seep through my once-immaculate white shirt.

  I knew even before Abi said anything that she had been punched quite hard on the cheek, the bruise spreading to darken her eye slightly. I hadn’t even listened to her lame excuse about how it had happened. Hell, she hadn’t even made a decent attempt at covering it up.

>   As a kid growing up I’d seen the same on my Mom time and time again. Bruises from the fists of my alcoholic, good for nothing Dad. He’d been a gambler, drinker and small time criminal, stealing or selling anything he could to fund his habits. He had seen himself as a roaming maverick, card player, drinker, gunslinger.

  But in reality he stank at playing cards, and drank way too much to be anything other than useless at most types of gambling. He’d thought it funny to give me a similar name to an old nineteenth century western gambler and gunslinger, hoping I’d grow up in my Dad’s image. My Mom hadn’t found it very funny. I had vowed from a young age to be nothing like him, and in a perverse way it was him I had to thank for deciding to become a cop in the first place.

  He had walked out one day without saying a word, not even the old classic about going to buy smokes. Just left halfway through dinner, got up and walked out, his plate of food unfinished. We had never seen him again.

  Good riddance.

  I’d decided to wait until reading Abi’s note. I guessed she thought that Mickey was having her watched, and from the look of the guy in the booth nearest the bar I had to agree with her. She had played the whole thing damn well, and I was impressed. She was definitely very smart. I liked her even more, desire rising within me before the anger had started to build, the anger fuelled by long dormant memories of my childhood.

  Ain’t no way I’m gonna let Mickey hurt her again. Scumbag just bought himself a one way ticket to jail. Or hell, whichever he chooses. Hopefully hell.

  I got back to my apartment near the center of town, taking off my trench coat and removing the wallet from the inside pocket. I removed the slightly damp note Abi had written. Luckily the words were still legible. Neat, curly handwriting covered the scrap of paper in blue ink. I sighed wistfully as I imagined Abi writing the note.

  Charlie, sorry for what I had to say. I’ll make you understand, don’t worry. I still want to have that date, but I’m in a bit of trouble and I think I’m being watched. Let’s talk. I’ve got some info you might find useful. Meet me under the old road bridge west of town, the one that was closed years ago. Thursday at 8pm. We should be able to meet there without any prying eyes. Abi xxx

  I smiled ironically. Not a very romantic first date, but it would do nonetheless. I knew the old road bridge she was talking about, it had been closed years ago when a new interstate had been built a few miles to the north. No one went out that way much any more, and the chances of bumping into anyone were remote.

  She’s done well. I’m starting to like this girl even more. Clever and beautiful.

  I gritted my teeth as desire rose within me, in image of her smiling at me from behind the bar forming in my head. I groaned audibly, not wanting to wait until Thursday before seeing her again. But I needed to keep her safe. I knew that if she was seen chatting to me again she’d be in serious trouble.

  I just wished she had my cell number, so she could call me if she got in trouble. I’d be there in instant.

  But she seems strong. She can look after herself, keep out of trouble. All she’s gotta do is pretend nothing’s up, and damn well make sure she ain’t seen talking to any cops.

  Reluctantly I decided that it was best to wait until we met on Thursday, and that she was smart enough to stay out of trouble with Mickey in the meantime. I made a mental note to have a quiet word with Danny about what was going on, just in case he decided to go visit.

  I thought it was probably best she not be seen talking to any cops at all, at least until I’d come up with a plan of how to keep her safe and take down everyone who was a risk to her.

  I sighed, settling back into the couch in my living room. I had my work cut out for me over the next three days, trying to find a lead on the O’Neill’s operation whilst trying to keep my mind off of Abi. It was not going to be easy.

  THE NEXT FEW DAYS PASSED uneventfully. I’d reached a brick wall with the case as it was, and the secretive nature of the investigation was making things even harder. I couldn’t speak to any cops, had to rely on my instinct and knowledge of the streets.

  I felt like there were enemies everywhere. When I got into the office, there were eyes on me. Watching, probably reporting back to Mickey since I’d been spotted talking to Abi.

  On the streets, the signs of meth dealing were evident, but the dealers had become more discreet, perhaps with a warning from Mickey to keep things low key in case I was looking around. Plus, if he’d made a deal with any corrupt officers he’d want to not cause too much trouble on the streets, or even they might be forced to act against him.

  The only thing I’d found out so far was that Goldie was no longer selling meth from his corner I’d told him to stick to. I imagined he’d had enough of making peanuts while the distributors above him were raking in a fortune.

  Greedy fuck. He’s probably trying to worm his way in with Mickey. Probably reckons Mickey will keep him safe from me.

  No chance, Goldie.

  In effect I was a one man force, with the Captain and the Lieutenant the only two who had an inkling of what I was upto. Even the Captain himself asked not to be told any details. So when I had something, I was to report back to the Lieutenant. Then we would have to very quickly take down whoever we had dirt on, make the arrests before word could get out.

  I had smiled absently when I wondered if the Lieutenant would choose to come on the bust with me. One last hurrah before he retired. I wouldn’t be surprised, he was one of the best detectives on the force when I had been a green cop, fresh out of police academy. He had been my role model, and I strived to emulate his clean policing as best I could.

  Which I think is why I felt so bad about the things I did undercover. But he’d brushed that aside, told me he had to do the same. Ain’t no point in dwelling on the past now.

  Thursday had finally arrived, the two and a bit days since I last met Abi seeming more like two and a bit weeks. I was nervous and excited, and wished desperately we were going out for a nice meal somewhere.

  Not meeting under an abandoned bridge out in the middle of nowhere.

  As I drove on a roundabout route to the destination, keeping an eye for any unusual traffic following me, I thought more about the case and how Abi would become involved.

  This is getting personal now. So much for professional detachment. Just gotta get Abi out of harm's way somehow until Mickey is behind bars. When she’s safe I’ll be able to concentrate. I’ll be able to enact my vengeance on Mickey.

  I arrived at the rendezvous point, confident I hadn’t been followed. I saw a car parked under the shadow of the bridge. I looked briefly down at the large, flashy silver watch on my right wrist. The silver hands showed 08:02pm against the light blue watch face.

  Damn. Late to our first date. Ain’t good.

  I took one last look around the deserted landscape. Nothing. I left the car quickly and jogged over to what I hoped was Abi’s car. I saw a small female figure sat in the driver's seat as I approached. No one in the back seats. My right hand relaxed from the tight grip I had on my glock in it’s holster at my hip.

  I tapped gently on the window and Abi looked up at me, wide eyes. Then she smiled, a big, friendly grin lighting up her face. She brushed her hair hair back over an ear, and gestured nervously for me to enter the car.

  Damn. Stay focused, Charlie. Try and keep your eyes on her face this time...

  I got in the passenger’s seat and found my knees up against the dashboard. I tried awkwardly for the handle of the seat to push it back.

  Abi laughed at me. I smiled back at her as I fumbled for the handle.

  “Sorry, Charlie. Not used to having anyone so tall in the car I’m afraid.” She was still laughing at me as she leant forward to get the handle under the seat. Her hand brushed past my leg, and I could smell her perfume and hair as she leant forward. Her head was only a few inches from mine.

  “There we go,” she said, and the seat clicked back half a foot or so.

  She looked u
p at me, eyes wide. A smile still on her face, but there was a glint in her eyes.

  Does... does she want me to kiss her? Is that desire I can see in her eyes? I mean, shit. She’s still leaning over towards me. Well, here goes nothing.

  I brought my hand up to her face, gently brushing her long hair back with my right hand as I softly caressed the fading bruise on her cheek. My hand looked huge against her small features, and I pushed her head up to face mine by her chin, leaning forward. Her lips parted slightly and a flush of colour rose to her cheeks.

  I leant forward and kissed her on the lips, gently at first. Her smell and presence filled my senses as I kissed her again, slightly harder this time. She returned the kiss, her hand on my thigh, squeezing me gently.

  I reached my hand around behind her neck and cradled her head as I caressed her tongue with mine, groaning with desire. She tasted sweet, and I could feel the warmth from her buxom body as we kissed. I felt myself swelling at the thought of her naked, imagination running wild...

  Her hand pushed into my chest as she sat back, gasping.

  “Sorry, Charlie. Not here. It needs to be right.” She was panting slightly, and her cheeks were flushed. I tried my best to clear the impulse I had to lean over, slip my hand under those pants and into the panties underneath them, make her gasp with pleasure while I kissed her neck...

  “Hey, Abi. Don’t apologize. I got a bit carried away there.” I took a few deep breaths and focused my mind, trying to push away the thoughts of sex.

  “Anyway, we got something to talk about. You said you were in trouble? Can you tell me what’s up?” I looked at her, my expression soft. I frowned with concentration and crossed my large arms, hearing the leather of my trench coat rub against itself. I tried to affect a dominant, concerned demeanour. Tried to put her at ease.

  I saw her looking hungrily at the muscles bulging beneath my jacket. Then my shoulders, then up to my face. She sighed. Her voice was thick and husky when she spoke.

  “Yeah, I got into some trouble. I damn well wish I hadn’t, so we could be somewhere else right now. Anyway, I got a visit from... well, from my old boyfriend.” She paused, looking up at me apologetically.