EIGHTEEN
Eden
Jack left just after the new door had been fixed securely in place. Heavy wood, secure locks. I didn’t think anyone would be kicking my new door down any time soon. Jack had insisted on paying half, despite my protests. It was nice to have someone to help out Honestly, I’d felt relieved at his insistence, my fears of him using me starting to fade.
Unless he’s merely assuaging his own guilt… Damn it, Eden. Stop it. You don’t have to worry anymore.
I’d felt a weight lift off my shoulders once I’d agreed to testify against Conall. Worries and doubts disintegrated as I’d made my decision, a single-minded purpose taking over. The presence of Jack made me feel safe and strong. I got a feeling he had been bolstered by our proximity, by our intimacy…
I was still glowing from the sex we’d had earlier, my mind filled with thoughts of Jack, his firm muscles, and his confident demeanor. He seemed immaculate, cool, calm and invincible.
He better come back in one piece, or I don’t know what I’d do.
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 about 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.
“Wow. I’m so happy for you both. I reckon you’ll be good for each other. I mean it.” He nodded at me. I smiled sweetly back at him, glowing at the thought of Jack and me together with Lucas’s blessing. I knew they were good friends and it meant a lot to have him rooting for us.
“Alright then, Eden. Let’s get out of here. Drive’s gonna be indirect. Gotta make sure we aren’t followed. Sorry if we have to go back on ourselves a few times.”
I stood up, pouring the remnants of our drinks into the sink. I steeled myself, taking one last glance around the kitchen before going to grab my bags from the couch. I turned to face Lucas who was standing behind me, expression closed, arms crossed.
“Ok, Lucas. Let’s get out of here.”
***
A little while later we were driving steadily along the interstate out of town, arid pastures as far as the eye could see on both sides. Large cacti loomed all round us, casting a long shadow in the dusty soil. My gaze wandered around the horizon taking in the monotonous scenery with a distracted boredom.
I leaned over to click the radio to a different station, annoyed by the incessant soft rock Lucas had been nodding his head to.
He glanced over his shoulder at me.
“Sorry, Eden. Don’t know what music you like.” He shrugged, eyes back on the road. Dust swirled in front of us, a red haze drifting across my vision in the early afternoon sun.
“Not long now. Almost there. Gonna stop at an old motel, like I said. Ain’t the best, but there won’t be anyone there, most likely. There’s no way Conall is gonna find you here.”
I leaned back in my chair and closed my eyes, relaxing into the passenger seat. It felt good to be away from town, and the danger seemed a little more distant.
Lucas pulled the car into the parking lot of a rundown motel.
“We’re here,” he said, stopping the car.
The motel was nothing more than a row of tired rooms. The sun reflected off the windows, dazzling my eyes.
“Your room’s the one in front of us. I got some food in there for you, some water, snacks. Six pack of beers too, in the fridge.” He looked around at the two other cars in the lot. He pointed to one, a few spaces down from ours.
“See that car. That’s Al’s. Me and Al go way back. Hell, we went through the academy with Jack. He’s solid, ain’t never taken a bribe. Nothing more he likes than locking up scumbags. He’s gonna sit there, in his car, until I call him. He’s got a few days of food and fuel, and he’s gonna keep you safe. You get any trouble, you scream or run to his car.”
Lucas wiped a hand over his face, eyes narrow as he spoke quickly.
“I gotta get back home. Maria ain’t well, and the four kids are restless. She’ll never forgive me if I stay here.” He shook his head.
“That’s ok, Lucas. You got me here, safe. Call me if anything happens, okay?” I said, tapping him on the shoulder in thanks. He passed me a key for the room.
“You got it. Now go relax, watch some movies. Have a few beers. Won’t be long before you’re back home and curled up with Jack, or whatever it is you two get up to.” He grunted a laugh as I left the car.
I walked quickly to the door of my room, waving at Lucas as he reversed, car heading off on the road back to town.
Sighing, I entered the room. It was drab and tired Definitely needed a little love, but it was quite spacious, large double bed in the middle to the right. Big fairly modern looking flat screen TV opposite of that. A few bags sat on the table to the side of the TV, next to a large refrigerator.
I opened the fridge, studying the contents. I smiled at the pack of beers Lucas had left for me.
The shower was big and decent enough though a little dirty.
Well, I guess this is my home for a little while. Better get comfy and try to relax.
I looked longingly at the large, sturdy bed in front of me.
If only Jack was with me. I’m sure we could have some fun here. A few days would fly by in an instant…
I dozed on the bed for a few hours after watching a film and having some of the food Lucas had left for me. I rose to grab a cold beer from the fridge.
I felt safe enough but homesick. I was desperately missing Jack’s presence even though we’d only been together for less than a day. I longed for him and could think of little else. The quiet, dull motel room wasn’t helping. My mind swam in a tired haze, imagining our possible future together.
Suddenly, gunshots rang out in the parking lot. My stomach clenched with fear. I heard shouting from a few voices, one screaming in panic. More gunshots rang out from what sounded like an exchange between three or four people. The shots ceased after a brief moment.
Heavy boots approached my motel room door. I stood still, frozen in fear. I didn’t know what to think. I’d assumed without doubt that I was safe here and wondered how Conall had found me.
Well, it isn’t gonna be anyone else. I’m in trouble.
I grabbed my cell with a shaky hand, dialing Jack’s number as quickly as possible. It was answered after ringing for only a second. Jack’s voice calmed me somewhat, urgent and panicked.
“Eden! Conall knows where you are, he…”
“He’s here, Jack! Help me! Where’s Lucas? What happened?” I spoke quickly, knowing I didn’t have long.
“Fuck. He beat Lucas up bad. Real bad, threatened his family. Lucas’s probably on his way to hospital by now. He’s in a bad shape but I’m sure he’ll make it. I’ll be there soon, babe. Hold on!”
I held the phone away from my ear as someone banged loudly on the door. Three slow, ominous knocks.
Knock… knock… knock.
“Jack, I’ll be ok. Get here as soon as you can. I… I love you.” I clicked the phone off, wondering at how I had time to feel sheepish about telling Jack I loved him after only knowing him for a week.
But it was true. I’d fallen for him already. He just needs to save me from Conall one last time, and I’ll show him…
The door was smashed open suddenly, wood splintering with a crunch as it flew inwards, flimsy wood no match for Conall’s huge frame.
Four figures stood at the door. Conall, and three of his trusted, I presumed. One was holding his gut, leaning to one side, blood pouring down a white vest. A grim, pale face stared at me meanly. The other two of his goons were unharmed, arms crossed against huge, fat chests.
Conall grunted as he saw me.
“Eden. We need to talk, you and me…”