FOURTEEN
Eden
I watched Jack leave, eyes on his naked butt as he walked off to get dressed in the kitchen. I sighed, memories of last night still fresh in my mind. I wanted more of him, and just having him close to me as I dozed was amazing. My heart sank slightly at the thought of a day of loneliness ahead of me.
I guess I’ll have to get used to it, dating a detective. Mysterious. Out there somewhere fighting the bad guys.
I kept thinking of Jack’s naked body. The way he’d been both gentle and dominant, experienced but not selfish. He was muscled yet slim and athletic in the all right places.
I lay in the bed idly for a while, hand resting on my palm as I gazed at the ceiling above me. I wondered at the chances of meeting Jack, the one who was determined to take down Conall. He was the best detective in town, the only one who would stop at nothing to see the streets safe once again.
I felt like it was somehow meant to be that I had a part to play in this too. I didn’t want to put myself in danger, but I didn’t want Conall squirming his way out of trouble again only to rear his ugly head years down the line, when I thought he was finally gone for good.
I didn’t want Jack having to put himself in any unnecessary danger either, which he would if I didn’t testify against Conall. I’d never been in trouble with the law and was well known and respected by folks around town. People liked me. If I said Conall had given me meth and Conall said he hadn’t, well, I knew who people would believe.
I sighed, rising up out of bed. I considered getting out the house. maybe I’d go to see my parents or just watch a few movies and get takeout. I stretched naked in front of my bed, flexing my shoulders and arms. I looked over at the open curtains on the other side of the room.
Oops. giving the neighbors an eyeful. Oh well.
I shrugged, feeling confident in my naked body. I remembered Jack’s reaction, his wide eyes at the sight, lust and desire showing as he took in every curve.
I took a long shower and dressed into some baggy, comfy clothes. I decided to make myself something to eat and laze around for a while before deciding if I was gonna head out later on.
A while later I was still resting on the sofa in the living room, stomach happily full from the big brunch I’d had. A large coffee was in my hands in front of me, hands clasped around the warm mug. My mind was consumed by Jack as I was flicking through the channels on the TV. I felt warm whenever I thought of him. Suddenly, an idea popped into my mind.
He probably lives in an apartment somewhere. There’s plenty of room here, room enough for two of us for sure… If everything goes well, maybe I’ll see if he wants to move in. We’ll definitely see much more of each other if we were living together.
The thought of Jack going to pay that ugly thug with gold teeth a visit made me smile ironically. I felt a grim satisfaction as I remembered the look on Jack’s face when he’d saw the bruise on my cheek. I didn’t think this Goldie was going to get away lightly. In fact, I suspected that one way or another he wouldn’t be seen around town for a very long time.
Some time passed as I sat on the couch, sipping from my mug of coffee. I contemplated moving from my comfortable seat and heading up to get ready and finally giving my Mom a call to see what her and Dad were doing today. I was still sitting facing the TV with the window of my living room in the corner of my vision when I spotted movement on the grass of my lawn. Immediately, my heart froze.
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, they’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.