Page 293 of 7+Us Makes Nine

Her hand pushed into my chest as she sat back, gasping.

“Sorry, Jack. Not here. It needs to be right.” She was panting slightly, and her cheeks were flushed. I tried my best to clear the impulse I had to lean over, slip my hand under those pants and into the panties underneath them, make her gasp with pleasure while I kissed her neck…

“Eden. Don’t apologize. I got a bit carried away there.” I took a few deep breaths and focused my mind, trying to push away the thoughts of sex.

“Anyway, we got something to talk about. You said you were in trouble? Can you tell me what’s up?” I looked at her, my expression soft. I frowned with concentration and crossed my large arms, hearing the leather

of my trench coat rub against itself. I tried to affect a dominant, concerned demeanor. Tried to put her at ease.

I saw her looking hungrily at the muscles bulging beneath my jacket. Then my shoulders, then up to my face. She sighed. Her voice was thick and husky when she spoke.

“Yeah, I got into some trouble. I really wish I hadn’t, so we could be somewhere else right now. Anyway, I got a visit from… well, from my old boyfriend.” She paused, looking up at me apologetically.

“We split up years ago, and I hadn’t even heard a word from him since. Then, all of a sudden, he turns up on my doorstep.”

I nodded sagely, waiting for her to continue.

“Thing is, Jack. My ex is Conall O’Rourke. He managed to get away when the O’Rourke gang was taken down. Now he’s back.”

I nodded again.

“I know, Eden. I’ve heard he’s back and cornering the meth market in town.” I saw her sigh with relief at my words.

“Oh. Well, he gave me some meth. The bruise too. Well, that wasn’t him. One of his horrible cronies.” She frowned angrily. I guessed the memory was still fresh in her mind.

I put my hand on her thigh reassuringly.

“Don’t worry, Eden. I’m looking into Conall O’Rourke. I’m gonna take him down.” She smiled at me, relief clearly evident on her face.

“Thing is, it would be much easier with your help.” I remembered her bruised face.

Not Conall? Then who, I wonder. Someone I need to go pay a visit, that’s for damn sure.

“Can you remember what the guy looked like who hit you?” I asked, keeping my voice low and reassuring.

“Not really. He was ugly. Looked a bit like a pig. And he had lots of gold teeth…” My sharp, angry intake of breath stopped her short.

“John O’Hanlan. That piece of work. Knew he was a scumbag, drug dealer, and a snitch. I thought he wasn’t worth my time, but he’s crossed the line now.” I suppressed the anger that was building within me.

Fuck you Goldie. Told you to stay out of my way. You’re in trouble now, sunshine.

“Oh, you know him? Well that’s something at least.” She looked up at me, concern on her face as she studied my features. I tried not to let the anger show.

“Yeah, I know him. I’m gonna pay him a little visit, I think. Don’t worry, he won’t be able to hurt you again. I’ll see him behind bars, one way or another.” I spoke through gritted teeth, nodding decisively.

Eden was looking at me with confused awe. I doubt she expected me to do much more than any other cop would, take a few notes and tell her I’d look into it. She’d struck gold, finding the most determined detective in town who was looking into her enemies.

One who didn’t have time for scumbags.

“One more thing, Jack. I’ve still got the meth Conall gave me.”

I turned to face her.

“You aren’t just a pretty face, are you? Damn, now that's just icing on the cake.” I tapped my chin thoughtfully, my mind racing over everything I had so far.

Well, shit. She might have just got me half way to taking down Conall O’Rourke.

“I’d need you to testify against Conall. Against his intimidation, assault. Admit that he was the one who gave you that meth. You’re the only one that can place him there. I wanna keep you safe. I can’t have you in danger when I’m taking Conall down.”

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