Page 125 of 5+Us Makes Seven

Jack

I awoke the next day, disorientated slightly as I studied the unfamiliar surroundings in the room. Then I remembered with a smile where I was. Eden’s. I looked down at the weight on my shoulder. Eden was still asleep, breathing gently as her head rested on my shoulder, her small hand resting on my chest. I sighed with pleasure at the memory of the previous night's activities.

Damn. She’s perfect. Ain’t letting this one get away. I’m gonna keep her safe, that’s for damn sure.

Adrenaline rushed into my blood as I remembered her words about John “Goldie” O’Hanlan and how he assaulted her. I’d managed to remain calm at the time, my understated comment that he’d crossed the line masking the desire for serious revenge that was welling inside of me.

I needed to get to Goldie as soon as possible. I figured he’d be the final piece of the puzzle. All I needed to do was get him to squeal like the little pig he was. I grimaced wryly. Not good odds of things going any other way, I knew.

He’ll talk, sure. Once I’ve hurt him.

I felt a longing desire to stay with Eden. It was Saturday and we should just be relaxing in each other’s company, but she was in too much danger for me to sit around. I had work to do. I wasn’t going to rest until I saw Conall and anyone associated with him behind bars.

I checked the time on the alarm clock next to Eden.

Shit. 10:00am already. Need to get outta here.

I shook her gently. She moaned as she stirred, smiling in her half sleep.

“Eden. Wake up. I’ve gotta go.” I nudged her gently again.

“Don’t go, Jack. Stay with me,” she said sleepily, snuggling against my chest. I could smell her, her scent filling my nose.

God, I wish I could stay here.

“We’ll have plenty of time to relax once I’ve taken Conall down. Trust me, babe. I gotta do this. Now.” I pushed her gently off me and she sighed with mild annoyance.

“Ok, whatever Jack. You’ve got what you came for and now you’re outta here.” I wasn’t sure if she was joking or not. I couldn’t always decipher female sarcasm.

“Listen. I’ll be back for you. Once Conall is behind bars or dead. I mean it.” I looked down at her. She was gazing into my eyes and didn’t seem to be listening to what I was saying, her gaze heavy with desire.

“I was joking, Jack. Go. Do your thing. Go clean this town up, you handsome hero.” She smiled at me.

I leaned over and gave her a big passionate kiss, resisting the urge to roll over onto her warm, naked body.

I jumped out of bed before I lost the small amount of willpower I was channeling to leave her. I glanced back, smiling and waving goodbye as I headed toward the stairs to retrieve my clothes and be on my way. They were still on the kitchen floor where we’d left them last night.

“Remember, any trouble you call me. And you gotta make a decision about testifying. I’ll speak to the Lieutenant if you decide to do it. I’ll get it arranged by next week. Promise.” She was nodding back at me, eyes on my naked body as I stood in the doorway. I remained there for a second, stretching my arms out and flexing my muscles. Her eyes widened.

I laughed as I ran down the steps to get dressed quickly, feeling like a naughty teenager as I left through the back door, effortlessly vaulting the back wall into the alleyway behind Eden’s backyard.

A little while later I’d returned back to my apartment, took a quick shower, and dressed into clean clothes. A quick donut and coffee was all I had time for before I headed out to my car, mind racing with ideas.

How do I get hold of that scumbag, Goldie?

I could cruise the streets but last time I’d done so I had seen no sign of him. I’d already guessed that he’d had a word with Conall and taken a step or two up the ladder.

Just as easy to slip as it is to climb, Johnny boy. Unfortunately for you, you’re gonna find that out the hard way.

An idea popped into my head suddenly. There was an old biker’s bar on the other side of town, Freddie’s. It had been the headquarters of the old O’Rourke gang. They’d been brazen enough to run their drug operation from the bar.

I didn’t think Conall would be as stupid, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if he’d taken his uncle's old bar back. Somewhere they could stay away from prying eyes, make deals with dirty cops and associates, organize distribution…

That’s where I’d find Goldie, if my assumption was correct.

That’s the thing with gangsters. Most of the time they have no imagination. Too predictable. Trying to be what someone else was, trying to be like people who are dead or in jail.

I shuddered to think what we’d be up against if we ever came up against an intelligent, original, subtle gangster with a decent imagination. I prayed that day never came.