Page 143 of 5+Us Makes Seven

He disappeared after spotting me. I sped to the motel, opening the driver’s window as I approached. A mad plan formed in my mind. I took my glock from my holster and swiftly replaced the clip, setting the half-empty clip on the passenger seat beside me.

I took a deep breath as I reached the motel and focused my mind. Time seemed to slow perceptibly, and my vision was clear, crisp. I broke sharply and turned to the right, slamming on the handbrake. I pointed my gun out the window as the car screamed into the parking lot.

I could see two thugs, one cowering behind a car and one half out of an open motel room door. The guy behind the car was in my line of sight briefly as I passed.

I squeezed the trigger wildly, sending a hail of 9mm bullets at him in quick succession. I saw him flinch as the first few bullets hit him, then his head snapped back violently, blood spraying in a brutal cloud.

The car came to a stop, dust swirling around me and obscuring my vision. I surveyed the scene down the sights of my glock. I could make out three large, male figures. Two inside the room. One at the door. The guy at the door was hurt, badly. A gut wound was leaking blood through a poorly applied makeshift bandage.

Where is Eden? Did she get away? If so, why are you still here, Conall? No, she’s gotta be in there. If he’s hurt her…

Violent images of retribution flashed across my mind. It would take all of my restraint to stay calm if anything had happened to her, to make th

e arrest rather than put him down. I steeled myself, opening the car door with my left hand as I stepped out.

I jumped over the bonnet and took cover behind the car.

“Police! Come out with your hands up! No one else has to die today!” I shouted, knowing what the response would be. A couple gunshots rang out, pinging off the car. I ducked my head instinctively.

Well, I tried.

I edged towards the back of the car, guessing the guy’s aim was trained at the front, where I’d been moments earlier. The guy looked like he could barely stand, let alone shoot straight. I chose my moment. Popping up, I held a gun in a two-handed grip.

The guy was aiming his gun at the front of the car, as I’d guessed. I shot him coolly in the head and chest, the sound of two bullets cracking loudly off of the buildings in front of me.

I jumped over the trunk and was spotted as a large figure stepped from the door, gun aimed at me. I recognized Sharky instantly.

He was edging towards me, sharp eyes looking over the top of the gun.

He had me beat.

Shit. Jumped too early.

I landed on my feet, and as I looked up he was grinning at me.

“Jack. Raise that gun and you’re dead. I know you got a jacket on, right? Well, I’m aiming for your head.” He was smiling in triumph, eyes cold.

“You’ve caused a massive headache for us, me and Conall. He wants a word with you. Got an offer for you.” He glanced at my gun.

“Oh, and drop the gun any others you got if you wanna see Eden again.” His small, black eyes fixed on mine.

“OK. You got me. I’m gonna put my gun on the ground. Nice and slow, then I’m gonna kick it away. It’s the only one I got.” I lied and stretched slowly, placing my gun on the floor. I kicked it towards him and metal scraped across the concrete surface of the parking lot.

“You better not be lying, pig,” he said in a flat voice, edging closer to me.

“I ain’t lying. You can search me if you want.” I shrugged, casually.

“Police budget, you know! It was the jacket or the spare gun!” I laughed loudly, and his eyebrows raised. His gun lowered a fraction as he approached, taken aback by my casual demeanor.

I spotted my chance. The image in front of me seemed to freeze in my mind. I lowered my hands to just above my hips, palms facing outwards. His gaze followed my hands, eyes narrowing.

We stood there, facing off against each other. My legs were spread wide, knees bent slightly.

Now.

My hand flashed like lightning into my pocket, pulling the gun from the inside left of my trench coat. I clicked the safety off as my hand drew it out in a well-rehearsed move.

My gun was aimed at him before he had time to react. I unloaded the full clip at his chest in a matter of seconds, walking forward as I shot fifteen bullets into his torso. He flinched with every shot, falling back as he died. He managed to get two shots off at me as he fell. One went harmlessly wide. The other grazed my chest. I grunted as I felt a rib crack.