Page 302 of 7+Us Makes Nine

I hoped for a second that Jack had returned from his excursion already, but I knew that wasn’t possible. He had days of work ahead of him if he was to get solid evidence against Conall.

I saw three large men approach my front door, two following behind the lead figure. I turned my head slowly to see an angry Conall rush across my front lawn to the door. Loud banging followed.

Shit. Has he got hold of Jack? Please God, tell me Jack is still safe…

“Eden! You fucking bitch!” he screamed, uncontrolled rage in his voice.

“Open this door now! Or you’ll be in a lot more trouble than you are already.” he ranted, banging savagely on the door.

I was already on my feet, running quietly on the soles to check the door was securely locked. I took a step back, hand on the bannister as I backed onto the stairs, half frozen in fear.

I wasn't sure whether to stay silent or to tell him to go away. Something told me either way he was gonna get even more pissed.

Silence it is, then.

I remembered Jack’s promise and guessed now was as good a time as any to ask for help. I was in serious danger if Conall got in the house.

“I know you been talking to them cops, Eden! Got a source on the inside, says he saw Jack coming over this way last night! Saw him at your window. Same guy says he left by the back this morning!” He paused, swearing either to himself or his goons.

“Eden! You fucking promised me!” I heard a shoulder slam into the door.

I scrambled up the stairs as quick as I could, heading into my room and grabbing my cell phone from my bedside table.

I’d already saved Jacks number, and I dialed it with a shaky hand, breathing steadily in an effort to calm myself down.

Cmon, Jack. Answer. Answer the phone…

His cell rang for a horrible few moments as I waited with baited breath. Then a click, a deep voice answering at the other end.

“Jack Storm.” Relief flooded through me at the sound of Jack, his deep, calm voice loud over the phone.

I explained the situation, panic behind each word.

Five minutes. Better hope Conall doesn’t batter the door down in the meantime, then.

I kept my phone in my hand and gingerly walked downstairs. There was silence outside for a blessed moment. I didn’t expect it to last too long.

I grabbed a big, sharp knife from the kitchen and held it behind my back, edging myself along the wall within sight of the front door. I was well within my rights to stab Conall if he broke in, and I’d damn well go for the throat if he so much as stepped towards me.

I heard his voice sound again, muffled.

“I just wanna talk, babe. Really. Cmon, what happened before was a mistake! I’m sorry.” Silence followed as I held my breath.

It’d been about three minutes, I figured.

The door cracked with a loud impact. I heard swearing from outside the door. Another loud crack, and the door shook with impact from what I suspected was a heavy foot.

A few more hits like that and it’s gonna buckle. Then I’m gonna have three big thugs to deal with…

A cold clarity overcame me. A gruesome resolve as I made up my mind that if they were gonna hurt me, well then, t

hey’d damn well pay for it. I’d smile sweetly at Conall as he approached then slash my knife at his neck.

My eyes widened as I heard the sound of a loud engine revving wildly outside, tires squealing.

A second later there was another impact on the door followed by more cursing from Conall as he screamed in rage. Wood splintered, and I heard the snap of metal.

The door held.

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