Page 306 of 7+Us Makes Nine

I reluctantly left Eden for a second time that day, after getting ready and calling out someone to fix the door. I waited until it was done before heading back to my car, distracting myself from thoughts of Eden with work.

Conall had very nearly busted the door in, but through his rage he’d been kicking wildly. I knew the right way to kick a door in and could have done it in one swift kick. Eden opted for a much sturdier, thicker door with a strong lock. I had nodded in approval at her decision. Never knew what the unpredictable Conall O’Rourke would do next.

I hoped he’d be sensible and go lick his wounds, get blind drunk, and pass out. I just needed a day or two to fit everything together and assemble all the pieces of evidence into a case. Then I could take him down. I had a feeling that once I got Conall, some of his trusted men would want to make a deal in exchange for a promise to put them in a jail where the O’Rourkes didn’t have influence.

Either way, Conall would go down for a long time if I could reach his meth lab. If I found him there, well that would just be the icing on the cake.

I sat in the car and dialed the Lieutenant's cell. I hoped he wasn’t busy, hadn’t gone away for the weekend. This couldn’t wait until Monday.

The phone rang for a painful minute. Then I heard a click as he answered.

“Jack! What’s up?” He sounded cheerful.

“Sir, sorry to bother you. Hope I ain’t disturbing you. You said to call you any time, right? Well, I need to talk. Got something I need help with, sir.”

“No worries, my cell is always on. Evil don’t sleep, and neither do I.” He laughed heartily. I grinned at his humor. He paused for a second, and I heard footsteps then a door open and then close.

“Marlene’s driving me crazy, anyway. Seems to think I’m retired already, asking me to mow the lawn. Fix the fence. Put up a shelf. Tell you what, let’s grab a beer or two. Talk things over?” His voice was almost pleading, and I guessed he was desperate to get out the house.

“Sounds good to me, sir. I’ve built up quite a thirst. Been a busy day already. You know the bar in town, opposite the precinct? Want to meet there?” It was a small, quiet bar that had good beer. We were unlikely to have any unwanted listeners there.

“Enough with the sir, Jack. It’s the weekend. Sure, I’ll meet you there. Give me twenty minutes. Beers are on me.”

“Whatever you say, Frank. So, I’m getting beers on the department, now am I? Well, this day just keeps getting better!” I heard him laughing down the phone.

“Right, see you there. Just gotta tell Marlene I’m leaving her. For the afternoon, that is.” It was my turn to laugh.

“Good luck sir… Frank. See you soon.”

I put the car into drive and took a slow route through town. The journey wasn’t far, and I had a bit of time to kill. My mind went over all the evidence I had so far and how I was gonna put everything together.

I just needed to bust the meth lab without word getting to Conall first. I figured Sunday would be as good a day as any. Probably wouldn’t be expecting a visit from the cops, with any luck. Though I knew what hard core meth dealers were like, paranoid at the best of times violent and unpredictable at others. Some would do anything to avoid jail. They would much rather die trying to escape than get locked up.

I figured they probably wouldn’t go down without a fight. That suited me just fine. A few less scumbags on the streets was never a bad thing.

I arrived at the bar just before the Lieutenant rolled up in his large saloon. I waited near the entrance as he parked and got out the car, groaning at a bad leg as he straightened, hands on the small of his back.

Damn, when did you get so old? You used to be invincible, hard as nails. Well, the department is in safe hands. You don’t have to worry about that, old friend.

I glanced at his car. Large, expensive alloys gleamed silver in the late afternoon sun.

So that’s what a Lieutenant's wages can afford? I could get used to driving something like that…

“Jack. Great timing, as always! Good to see you.” He walked over, arm extended and with a wide grin on his face. I shook his hand, a strong, thorough handshake that rattled my shoulder.

“You too, Frank. Hope Marlene’s not too pissed.” I raised an eyebrow at him as we turned to enter the bar.

“She’s always pissed, Jack. You get used to it after a while. I figure she’ll calm down when I’m retired. I think she just gets bored when I’m at work, you know. She’s been retired five years now.” He sighed wistfully.

> “Yeah, I reckon so. She’ll be glad to have you around.” We walked in the bar, both surveying the few faces dotted around.

“No one I recognize. Still can’t be too careful,” the Lieutenant said, choosing a booth furthest away from everyone else.

I took a seat as he went to grab a couple beers. I accepted one gratefully, nodding my thanks. I took a large, well-deserved gulp of beer, gasping at the cool refreshment.

“Damn, that’s good. What is it?” I said as the Lieutenant gulped down a third of his in one go. I raised my eyebrows, a half smile on my face.

“Locally brewed IPA, strong and hoppy. My favorite.” He set his glass down and leaned forward.

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