Page 18 of Cowboy
Tank gives me a curious look but doesn't press further. "Alright. Jerry's asking for you, says he wants to talk."
My brow furrows in confusion. Why would Jerry Houlihan want to talk to me? But I nod, following Tank toward the VIP section.
As we approach, I can't shake the feeling that something big is about to happen. Between Caoimhe's sudden appearance and Jerry's request, my instincts are on high alert.
Jerry looks up as we enter, a smile that doesn't reach his eyes spreading across his face. "Ah, Cowboy. Just the man I wanted to see."
I stand there, tension coiling in my muscles. "What can I do for you, Mr. Houlihan?"
He leans forward, his voice low. "I hear you've been asking questions about a certain trafficking ring.”
“Last I heard, it was dismantled after the information that was gathered. They took out everyone who was part of it. From what I know, it’s no longer in operation.”
Jer shakes his head. “While that’s true from the outside, it’s not the actual truth. You see, from what me and my guys have uncovered, those at the top are very much still involved.”
I tense. “Who?”
He shakes his head. “We’re looking into it. Are you still in contact with Travis James?”
I narrow my eyes. “What’s it to you?”
He laughs. “Calm down, Cowboy. I was just asking. Travis is a friend. I know he’s been looking into this as well.”
"As I said, the trail ran cold, but I'm interested in knowing what you have found out. Have you spoken with Travis?" I ask, knowing he'll want to know everything too. We've both been keeping our ears to the ground, trying to uncover who's at the top of this ring.
Jerry leans back, his eyes calculating. "I have some information that might interest both you and Travis. But I need to know I can trust you."
I feel my heart rate pick up. "You can trust me," I say firmly. "I've been looking into this for years. I lost people I care about because of these bastards."
Jerry nods slowly. "I heard about your friend Dylan. Tragic business, that. And his sister... Caoimhe, was it? I heard she went missing not long after."
I tense at the mention of Caoimhe's name. How much does Jerry know?
"What exactly are you getting at, Jerry?" I ask, trying to keep my voice level.
He leans forward, his voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "The trafficking ring never truly went away. They just got better at hiding. And the people involved... let's just say they're in positions that make them virtually untouchable."
My mind races. Does Caoimhe know about this? Is that why she's back?
"I'm listening," I say, my full attention on Jerry now.
He glances around before continuing. "I can't say much here. Too many ears. But if you're serious about pursuing this, meet me tomorrow night. I'll text you the details. And bring Travis if you can. He'll want to hear this too."
I nod, my mind already whirling with possibilities. "I'll be there."
As Jerry stands to leave, he pauses, fixing me with an intense stare. "Be careful, Cowboy. The people we're dealing with... they don't play by any rules. And they'll do anything to keep their secrets buried."
With that ominous warning, he's gone, leaving me with more questions than answers. I scan the club once more, hoping for another glimpse of Caoimhe, but she's nowhere to be seen.
As I resume my post, my mind is racing. After years of dead ends, could we finally be close to uncovering the truth? And what role does Caoimhe play in all of this?
One thing's for certain: tomorrow night's meeting with Jerry could change everything. I just hope we're ready for whatever comes next.
The next evening, I find myself in a dimly lit pub on the outskirts of Dublin. Travis sits across from me, his face grim as I fill him in on my conversation with Jerry.
"Are you sure you saw Caoimhe at the club?"
"Yeah," I confirm, the memory of her wide eyes still haunting me. "It was only for a split second, but I'm sure it was her."
