Page 115 of 5+Us Makes Seven

Finally, there was Eden. She’d recognised me from somewhere, and I’d quickly figured out it was from my time undercover. That meant when she first saw me she thought I was still rolling with Conall, and for some reason that made her shit scared.

So what does she know? Is she willing to talk?

At the same time I knew I was really attracted to this girl, and if she was any near as nice as she was hot, then I couldn’t see her wanting anything casual. I could see myself falling for her real quick.

I don’t want to get her involved in this mess. Should I tell her about the case? If she was scared of Conall I doubt she’d go running to him at the first sign of trouble.

For once I was stumped. I shook my head, resolving to think about the matter later,nwhich I struggled with repeatedly. She was on my mind all the time, and while it was a pleasant distraction, I felt uneasy that my mind wasn’t as sharp as usual.

Lucas came swaggering over to my desk, one thumb through his belt, the other pointing back over his shoulder. He was trying his best not to smile.

“Lieutenant wants to see you, Storm. Says it’s urgent.” His eyes were bright with excitement as he winked at me.

“All right. Thanks Lucas. I’ll be right in.” I tried to act as

casual as possible as I rose to walk to the Lieutenant’s office. I felt a few eyes on me as I passed through the department.

The Lieutenant was on the phone as I entered. He waved me in as I poked my head round the door and gestured for me to shut it after me.

“Yes sir. Absolutely. Thank you, sir.” He put the phone down with a flourish, turning to face me with a broad smile.

“Jack. You got yourself a case. Congratulations.” He leaned forward, arm extended. I shook his hand gratefully, grinning with relief.

“Now,” his expression turned serious in an instant, his voice low. “Tell me what your thoughts are. And Jack, keep this case to yourself.” He looked over his shoulder to the other detectives, some of whom had been staring through the slats at the window and turned away awkwardly as he looked their direction.

“We both know there are ears everywhere. Let’s just keep things quiet until we get something solid, something that makes us, you, untouchable by those meatheads out there.”

The Lieutenant looked at me with concern, the way a kindly uncle would when offering advice to his nephew. I knew I was one of his favorites, and it was common knowledge that he was due to retire soon. If I did well on this case, my gut told me I’d be sitting in his desk come the end of the year.

“Of course, sir. I got this. I’m not gonna say a word to anyone until I get something we can use.” I sat down in the chair opposite him, notepad in my left hand as I rubbed my chin thoughtfully with my right.

“So here’s what I’m thinking so far...”

TEN

Eden

I’d managed to put a brave face on the day after Conall’s visit while I was working at the diner. I passed off the bruised cheek and slight black eye as a drunken stumble into a door when visiting my friend over the weekend. Hell, I’d rehearsed the lie so many times I was actually starting to believe it myself.

In truth, I was shaken. My confidence that I’d built up from nothing over the last few years had taken a big hit. As soon as I left the house in the morning I was looking over my shoulder constantly, paranoia turning every shady looking character into one of Conall’s goons.

God knows there’s enough of them in this town…

I had the same feeling when I was walking home after finishing at the diner, like I was being watched. The hairs on the back on my neck stood on end, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Then all of a sudden an image of Jack appeared in my mind. Strong, tall, handsome. Smiling casually at me like the last time I saw him, as he rested against the bar, eyes looking deeply into mine. Part of me longed to see him when I opened the door to my house, for him to take me into a warm, protective embrace.

Thoughts of Conall and his threats started to evaporate as I thought about Jack. When I did, I found myself distracted, unable to concentrate on much else. I’d been a bit ditsy since I’d seen him Friday, not my usual, intelligent, focused self.

I got back home, head held high and smiling as I entered the front door quickly, making sure to lock the door behind me. I was once again greeted by silence and a sense of loneliness as I walked through to the kitchen.

Damn. No Jack. Well, maybe if I play my cards right one day soon he’ll be waiting for me when I get home. Just need to make sure I get this right, or we’ll both be in trouble...

I still had a few hours before starting my shift at the bar, and I set to work rehearsing my plan for when Jack visited me later in the evening.

That’s if he turns up…

I smiled to myself, thinking about the way he’d looked at me when we’d met. Somehow I knew he was gonna be there.

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