Page 308 of 7+Us Makes Nine

Somehow I knew he would win, but I still had my doubts. I’d only known the guy for a week, but he filled me with certainty. He was the sort of man that spread a relaxed assurance in those around him with apparent ease, allaying fears with a gesture or a few words.

I couldn’t help but admit that I was falling for him already.

He’d left with a few brief words, and I guessed he didn’t really know what to say. I thought he was probably as new to this as I was.

Don’t worry, Jack. I’ve never felt this way either. We can find our way together.

He’d said he was going to speak to his boss and organize a way of getting me to a safe place. Somewhere where Conall couldn’t just turn up with a crew of his boys and take revenge for what he deemed was betrayal.

But it was Conall who’d betrayed me. Filled me with false hope and promises and left me. I knew he didn’t care, that the reason he came back was out of a warped sense of ownership. He left like he was owed something, just by merely being the nephew of the O’Rourke brothers.

Well, he was soon to get his due, I knew that much. One way or another, he wouldn’t be able to hurt me anymore. No more attempts to get at me out of spite and jealousy.

I went a

bout the rest of the evening in peace, safe in the knowledge that Conall wouldn’t dare step near my place again. He was a moron, but he wasn’t completely stupid. He knew what he’d done and knew that Jack had the evidence on his phone. He’d probably be getting drunk, bragging to his cronies about what he was going to do to Jack. False promises. Vague threats.

I occasionally took a peep out of the front windows, hoping for a sight of Jack pulling up in his black car. After the third or fourth time of looking, though, I saw a marked police patrol car parked across the road and down the block a little, in clear sight of my front door.

That should keep any idiots away.

I gave a silent thanks to Jack and the few good cops in his circle, cops I didn’t know but were risking a lot to help someone who used to roll with the guy they were closing in on.

At least the good guys still exist. Not everyone is out for money and power.

***

Sunday began in the same way as any other, relaxing and uneventful. I went through my morning routine, shower, breakfast. I got dressed into some comfortable and functional clothes knowing I’d probably have to leave at a moment’s notice at some point later in the day.

After getting dressed and applying a little makeup I packed a small bag with clothes for about a week, not knowing how long I’d be away for. I knew it wouldn’t be long before Jack made a move, and I’d probably overpacked. The cautious side of told me to take my cash, passport and a few of my favorite personal effects.

Just in case.

I was surprised shortly after packing by a loud, quick knock on the door. I grabbed my things and headed downstairs, dumping my bags on the couch before answering it.

I swung the door open to find Lucas standing there in casual clothes. Simple jeans and a plain t-shirt, hands crossed at his lap.

“Hey, Eden. Can I come in?” He stood there, an apologetic look on his face.

“Sure, Lucas. Come in. I just made some coffee.” I ushered him in and closed the door behind him as we headed for the kitchen.

He was looking around, peering into the living room and glancing upstairs as we passed through the hall.

“Nice place you got here. Real nice, Eden. I’m glad you’re doing alright, y’know.” He smiled sweetly at me as he settled into a wooden chair at the kitchen table, hands resting palm down on the table.

I poured us both a steaming mug of strong coffee and took the chair opposite. I looked at him, remembering the cheeky older teenager I’d known as a kid. I barely recognized him these days.

“You’re looking good, Lucas. I’m surprised Maria and those kids haven’t worn you out!” I smiled at him, and he laughed good naturedly.

“Thanks. Nah, they’re good. Most of the time. And Maria tells me what to do. Makes things easy. Ain’t gotta think after a long day of busting boneheads!” His eyes sparkled as he took a sip of coffee.

“Listen. Jack spoke to me yesterday. I’m getting you out of here. Now. I got one of my guys waiting to look after you at a motel outside of town. It’ll just be for the time being, then we can move you somewhere safer and further away if...” He glanced down at his hands apprehensively, then looked up to fix me with an intense stare.

“If Jack don’t come back. But he will, I’m sure of it. This will all be over before you know it.”

“Thanks Lucas. I owe you one. We owe you one. Tell you what, when this is all over me and Jack will take you, Maria and the kids out for a meal. Somewhere real nice.” I blushed as he grinned at me, his face lighting up with realization, and a flash of the cheeky youth I once knew shone through.

“Oh I see. You don’t hang around, do you?” He slapped the table. Coffee mugs bounced worryingly.

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