Page 130 of 5+Us Makes Seven

One of them was a shade taller and even more heavily muscled than the others. Probably early forties. He wore a sleeveless le

ather jacket and white t-shirt adorned with a black skull and black jeans. His face reminded me of a shark's, small, black, cold eyes. Mean, sharp looking teeth.

Sharky.

“Who the fuck are you?” he said, frowning at me. “You better get outta here, boy. Before you get hurt. This is between Conall and Eden. Don’t stick your nose where it don’t belong.”

I turned to face the hulking figure.

“Oh, this is my business. I’m detective Jack Storm, and you chose the wrong day to fuck with Eden ‘cause I’m looking after her now. Anyone so much as glances at her funny and they’ll be behind bars. Trust me.” His eyes widened when he heard me say the word detective.

Yeah, you haven’t seen me before. I’m not one of those corrupt oldheads you’ve been dealing with.

“You ain’t got shit on me. If you did, I’d know about it! I got eyes everywhere!” He spat on the grass in front of him, reaching for something in his jacket pocket.

I tensed, hand ready at my glock.

He pulled out a pack of smokes and tapped one out, lighting it up casually.

“So, you been talkin’ to Eden? What’s she said? C’mon, Jack. I know you, you took my uncles down, and I ain’t forgotten. You tell me what she’s said, make a deal with me. Walk away. I’ll see you rolling in the green stuff in a week. A fucking week, man! We can work together!” He grinned at me, looking down at me through his red eyes.

What you mean is I’d be working for you, scumbag. Keeping the heat off you for a few hundred a week. Maybe a couple grand if you had a good one.

“No, Conall. You’ve hit a brick wall. I ain’t like those other cops you’ve been schmoozing. Get outta here before you give me cause to arrest you.” I slowly put my cell in my pocket. I kept my left hand in my trench coat. My right hand hovered carefully above the gun holstered at my hip. My eyes narrowed, concentrating. Waiting for a sign of movement…

The third guy spoke, grunting with derision. “You say you're a cop, right? Well, where’s your badge? Ain’t going nowhere until I’ve seen it.” He crossed his arms.

“Got my badge right here.” In a flash my glock was in my hand, aiming at his forehead. We were about fifteen paces away. Easy shot.

“And before either of you try anything stupid, let me tell you this. I’m the best and quickest shot in the state.” I looked calmly at the three, daring them to test me. If any of them moved now, they would be dead from instinct before I even had time to think.

Silence. All three froze, shocked at how quickly my gun was drawn.

“If any of you want to see if what I’m saying is true, try me. Reach for your shitty guns. Go on.” I nodded at them, willing them to draw their pistols.

Conall slowly raised his hands, palms facing outwards defensively.

“Ok, man. We’ll get outta here. She definitely ain’t worth getting shot over, that’s for sure. I mean, what sort of…”

“Watch it, Conall! Leave. Now.” I’d had enough of him badmouthing and threatening Eden.

The three goons backed away slowly and turned to half jog to their car that was parked down the road.

I kept my pistol trained on them until the car had disappeared around the corner.

SIXTEEN

Eden

The door was almost busted, and I was pretty sure that a good shove from outside would send it falling off its hinges. I waited with breath held, hoping that the car I’d heard was Jack’s. I walked quietly along the hall to peer into the living room and out through the front window.

My heart soared when I spotted Jack walking towards the three, phone held in one hand, the other at his hip. He looked calm and collected and clearly wasn't fazed by the three thugs he was approaching. He stood there in silence for a few moments. I guessed he was recording Conall’s tirade on his cell’s camera.

Clever and handsome. And he’s good in bed…

Conall was still ranting at the door, words spat in a fit of anger. I willed him to have a rage heart attack there and then. Do everyone a favour. I had stopped listening and was smiling while staring at Jack with pride and admiration.

Jack spoke, loud and authoritative to get the trio’s attention. There was an exchange between the them and then responded angrily. Jack remained calm, slowly puting the camera into his pocket.

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