Page 118 of 5+Us Makes Seven

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 Eden 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 Eden writing the note.

Jack, 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. Eden 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 anymore, 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, an 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 with 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.

She seems strong though. 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 Conall in the meantime. I made a mental note to have a quiet word with Lucas 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’Rourke’s operation whilst trying to keep my mind off of Eden. It wasn’t going to be easy.

***

The 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. I had to rely solely 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 Conall since I’d been spotted talking to Eden.

On the streets, the signs of meth dealing were evident. However, the dealers had become more discreet, perhaps with a warning from Conall 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 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 the 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 Conall. Probably reckons Conall 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 up to. 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.

I think that’s 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. No point in dwelling on the past now.

Thursday had finally arrived, the two and a bit days since I last met Eden 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 Eden would become involved.

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

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. Not good.

I took one last look around the deserted landscape. Nothing. I left the car quickly and jogged over to what I hoped was Eden’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 Eden looked up at me, wide eyes. Then she smiled, a big, friendly grin lighting up her face. She brushed her hair back over an ear and gestured nervously for me to enter the car.

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