Page 72 of Dublin's Danger Dancer

“The shooters have been apprehended,” comes a voice over Ferg’s radio.

I grip Liam’s hand, pretending to be scared. But it occurs to me that the adrenaline rushing through my body is genuine fear for his life.

“We need an ambulance. Mr O’Shaughnessy has been shot in the shoulder,” says Ferg, his eyes never moving to mine.

“I’m going to need you to answer some questions.”

“I’m the victim in this.” Liam says standing up.

“Are there ever really victims in territorial gang wars? It’s just two gobshites trying to kill each other. If it was up to me, I’d simply move out of your way.”

“I respect a man who accepts the natural process of evolution,” Liam says.

“Do you know why the Vikings had such an easy time taking Ireland?”

“Enlighten me, detective.”

“The Irish couldn’t stop arguing among themselves long enough to join forces against their common invaders. You feckin’ gangs are all the same.” He smiles and readjusts his posture. “Do you know who might have wanted you dead Mr O’Shaughnessy?”

“I can give you a list of 800 people. Knocking on a few doors might help you shake that dad bod.” Liam laughs.

“Don’t get smart with me, son.” Ferg breathes. “Or I’ll arrest you right here and now for soliciting.”

I see Liam’s fists ball up at his sides.

“You work at Lollipops, don’t ya darlin’” says Ferg. “Offer a few extras, do ya?”

Liam’s face turns red. Unfurling his clenched fist, I press my hand into his.

“It’s not a crime for strippers to have a relationship, ya ol’ bastard.” I say as Liam glares at Ferg mentally tracing all the places he could put a bullet.

As wind howls through the bullet holes in the glass, blue lights arrive outside my curtains.

“You can answer my questions while you get that shoulder seen to.”

+++

The car pulls to a stop outside the Montgomery hotel. Our exchange with Fergus had been a series of I don’t know’s, never heard of him, can’t help, wish I could. He’d offered us a police escort to the hotel, but Liam had declined.

The doorman sporting a black coat, and a black top hat opens the door for me.

I take my hand away from Liam’s shoulder as he takes out his overcoat and pulls it around his shoulders to hide the stitched up wound.

The paramedics had taken three shards of bullet out. The sniper had used the exploding type.

We rent the smallest room possible, so that if any henchmen came, they wouldn’t find us in the expensive penthouse suites Liam normally frequented.

Once in the room. Liam closes the curtains. As I place my bag down next to the bed, he appears to be searching for bugs or listening devices.

He picks up the phone and calls reception. “Hi, yes, can you bring up two glasses and a bottle of expensive Irish whiskey. Thanks,” he says, placing the receiver down.

Liam lays back, folding his hands behind his head.

“I’m sorry. Had I known this was going to unfold now. I’d have put off our romance.”

I lay down next Liam as he uses his good hand to stroke my hair.

“You look so beautiful,” he says.

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