Page 141 of 5+Us Makes Seven

I gave him the location of the lab and told him about Lucas. He cursed, and said he’d get a cop over to look after them immediately.

“Sir, I’ve gotta go. Conall’s on his way to Eden now. He beat the location out of Lucas and threatened Maria and the kids. I gotta go.”

“Ok Jack. Go!” he said and hung up the phone.

I sped off, heading towards the motel Lucas had given me directions to.

Time for a showdown with Conall. I just hope I get there in time.

I cursed at myself, having not saved Eden’s number into my cell yet. I flicked through recent calls, trying to find the number she’d called me on. Then my phone rang. It was Eden. Conall was there already.

I put my foot hard on the gas, jaw clenched with concentration as I drove wildly for the motel.

TWENTY

Eden

Conall strode into the room, looking bored, a half smile on his face as he studied the faded surroundings.

“Com

e on, Eden. You can do better than this dump. If you had decided to come crawling back to me, you’d be living it up in a five-star hotel.” He shook his head.

“Oh, your cop friend ain't looking too good. Leaking all over the place. Don’t think he’s gonna make it. In fact, he’s dead already. Sorry about that. He shot first though, honest!” He laughed cruelly, and one of the unscathed goons behind him chuckled in approval.

“Ain’t as if he can say otherwise now, is it boys?” He sat on the bed, elbows on his knees.

“Shark. Check if there’s anything to drink, would ya?” He frowned at his wounded comrade.

“And Sunny, what the fuck, man? You look like shit.” He turned to face the fourth guy.

“Delroy. Go and patch him up. Keep an eye out for our friend. The one Eden loves so much. We’re gonna have it out, me and him. Thinks he can steal my girl, take me down? Well, we’ll see about that, won’t we! I’m king of this fucking jungle!” His voice rose with anger and he swung his arm wildly, smashing the bedside lamp with a spade-like hand.

The guy Conall had called Shark pushed past me, shoving me out the way. I stumbled into the wall, my mind racing.

Shit. He’s pissed and out of control. Hope he doesn’t hurt me before Jack gets here. But when he does get here, Conall, you’re going down.

Shark grabbed three beers from the six pack, and I was surprised when he handed me one. He winked at me. I shuddered at the cold gaze from his black, soulless eyes.

“Here you go, boss,” he said in a deep, emotionless monotone. His sharp teeth showed yellow through a horrid smirk.

The ugly bastard does look just like a shark. A huge, fat, ugly shark, that is.

Conall opened the beer and drained half the contents. He took out a pipe and lighter and started smoking meth, casually dragging at the pipe and breathing out plumes of thick, acrid smoke. He passed the pipe to Shark, who took it with a curt nod. Conall turned to face me.

“Well now, Eden. You thought you could snitch on me and run?” He tutted, wagging a finger at me.

“I got contacts, you know. A… friend… of mine, told me he’d seen you leaving with your old pal Lucas. Well, Lucas and I had a little chat. He wasn’t so tough when he was lying bleeding on the floor. Told me everything to save his sorry ass. His wife though… wow. Wouldn’t guess she’s squeezed four kids out. If I’d had more time…” He trailed off, eyes wide from the meth.

“Anyway, I’m getting distracted. I knew what you and your boyfriend were up to the instant I heard about you leaving the house earlier with Lucas. Fucking Lucas!” His voice shook with rage.

“I should have known! Him and Jack and you, all best buddies! Sneaking around behind my back, thinking you’re clever! Well who’s clever now?”

Shark spoke up.

“You are boss, got ‘em good. Our boys should be clearing out the… uh, the warehouse. Ain’t gonna be no evidence against you. Cathal’s sorting it out. If Jack shows up, the yardie will get him. He’s mean and quick.” Conall was nodding at him.

“Let’s hope so. Or he’s in trouble, I swear. I don’t pay him for nothing.” He turned to face me, sighing and leaning back.

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