ELEVEN
Jack
I left the bar after finishing my beer quickly, my mind racing. Anger was rising up within me, my stomach tight with rage. I’d barely tasted the beer as I drank it, downing the large glass in about three big gulps. My fists were clenched as I walked through the heavy rain, feeling the water starting to seep through my once-immaculate white shirt.
I knew even before Eden said anything that she had been punched quite hard on the cheek, the bruise spreading to darken her eye slightly. I hadn’t even listened to her lame excuse about how it had happened. Hell, she hadn’t even made a decent attempt at covering it up.
As a kid growing up I’d seen the same on my Mom time and time again. Bruises from the fists of my alcoholic, good for nothing Dad. He’d been a gambler, drinker and small time criminal, stealing or selling anything he could to fund his habits. He had seen himself as a roaming maverick, card player, drinker, and gunslinger.
Inn reality he stank at playing cards and drank way too much to be anything other than useless at most types of gambling. He’d thought it funny to give me a similar name to an old nineteenth century western gambler and gunslinger, hoping I’d grow up in my Dad’s image. My Mom hadn’t found it very funny. I had vowed from a young age to be nothing like him, and in a perverse way it was him I had to thank for deciding to become a cop in the first place.
He had walked out one day without saying a word, not even the old classic about going to buy smokes. Just left halfway through dinner, got up and walked out, his plate of food unfinished. We had never seen him again.
Good riddance
I’d decided to wait until reading Eden’s note. I guessed she thought that Conall was having her watched, and from the look of the guy in the booth nearest the bar I had to agree with her. She had played the whole thing damn well, and I was impressed. She was definitely very smart. I liked her even more, desire rising within me before the anger had started to build, fuelled by long dormant memories of my childhood.
Ain’t no way I’m gonna let Conall hurt her again. Scumbag just bought himself a one way ticket to jail.
I got back to my apartment near the center of town, taking off my trench coat and removing the wallet from the inside pocket. I removed the slightly damp note Eden had written. Luckily the words were still legible. Neat, curly handwriting covered the scrap of paper in blue ink. I sighed wistfully as I imagined Eden writing the note.
Jack, sorry for what I had to say. I’ll make you understand, don’t worry. I still want to have that date, but I’m in a bit of trouble and I think I’m being watched. Let’s talk. I’ve got some info you might find useful. Meet me under the old road bridge west of town, the one that was closed years ago. Thursday at 8pm. We should be able to meet there without any prying eyes. Eden xxx
I smiled ironically. Not a very romantic first date, but it would do nonetheless. I knew the old road bridge she was talking about, it had been closed years ago when a new interstate had been built a few miles to the north. No one went out that way much anymore, and the chances of bumping into anyone were remote.
She’s done well. I’m starting to like this girl even more. Clever and beautiful.
I gritted my teeth as desire rose within me, an image of her smiling at me from behind the bar forming in my head. I groaned audibly, not wanting to wait until Thursday before seeing her again, but I needed to keep her safe. I knew that if she was seen chatting with me again she’d be in serious trouble.
I just wished she had my cell number, so she could call me if she got in trouble. I’d be there in instant.
She seems strong though. She can look after herself, keep out of trouble. All she’s gotta do is pretend nothing’s up and damn well make sure she ain’t seen talking to any cops.
Reluctantly I decided that it was best to wait until we met on Thursday and that she was smart enough to stay out of trouble with Conall in the meantime. I made a mental note to have a quiet word with Lucas about what was going on, just in case he decided to go visit.
I thought it was probably best she not be seen talking to any cops at all, at least until I’d come up with a plan of how to keep her safe and take down everyone who was a risk to her.
I sighed, settling back into the couch in my living room. I had my work cut out for me over the next three days, trying to find a lead on the O’Rourke’s operation whilst trying to keep my mind off of Eden. It wasn’t going to be easy.
***
The days passed uneventfully. I’d reached a brick wall with the case as it was, and the secretive nature of the investigation was making things even harder. I couldn’t speak to any cops. I had to rely solely on my instinct and knowledge of the streets.
I felt like there were enemies everywhere. When I got into the office, there were eyes on me. Watching, probably reporting back to Conall since I’d been spotted talking to Eden.
On the streets, the signs of meth dealing were evident. However, the dealers had become more discreet, perhaps with a warning from Conall to keep things low key in case I was looking around. Plus, if he’d made a deal with any corrupt officers he’d want to not cause too much trouble on the streets, or they might be forced to act against him.
The only thing I’d found out so far was that Goldie was no longer selling meth from the corner I’d told him to stick to. I imagined he’d had enough of making peanuts while the distributors above him were raking in a fortune.
Greedy fuck. He’s probably trying to worm his way in with Conall. Probably reckons Conall will keep him safe from me.
No chance, Goldie.
In effect I was a one-man force, with the Captain and the Lieutenant the only two who had an inkling of what I was up to. Even the Captain himself asked not to be told any details. So when I had something, I was to report back to the Lieutenant. Then we would have to very quickly take down whoever we had dirt on, make the arrests before word could get out.
I had smiled absently when I wondered if the Lieutenant would choose to come on the bust with me. One last hurrah before he retired. I wouldn’t be surprised, he was one of the best detectives on the force when I had been a green cop, fresh out of police academy. He had been my role model, and I strived to emulate his clean policing as best I could.
I think that’s why I felt so bad about the things I did undercover. But he’d brushed that aside, told me he had to do the same. No point in dwelling on the past now.
Thursday had finally arrived, the two and a bit days since I last met Eden seeming more like two and a bit weeks. I was nervous and excited, and wished desperately we were going out for a nice meal somewhere.
Not meeting under an abandoned bridge out in the middle of nowhere.
As I drove on a roundabout route to the destination, keeping an eye for any unusual traffic following me, I thought more about the case and how Eden would become involved.
This is getting personal now. So much for professional detachment. Just gotta get Eden out of harm's way somehow until Conall is behind bars. When she’s safe I’ll be able to concentrate. I’ll be able to enact my vengeance on Conall.
I arrived at the rendezvous point, confident I hadn’t been followed. I saw a car parked under the shadow of the bridge. I looked briefly down at the large, flashy silver watch on my right wrist. The silver hands showed 08:02pm against the light blue watch face.
Damn. Late to our first date. Not good.
I took one last look around the deserted landscape. Nothing. I left the car quickly and jogged over to what I hoped was Eden’s car. I saw a small female figure sat in the driver's seat as I approached. No one in the back seats. My right hand relaxed from the tight grip I had on my glock in it’s holster at my hip.
I tapped gently on the window and Eden looked up at me, wide eyes. Then she smiled, a big, friendly grin lighting up her face. She brushed her hair back over an ear and gestured nervously for me to enter the car.
Damn. Stay focused, Jack. Try and keep your eyes on her face this time…
I got in the passenger’s seat and found my knees up against the dashboard. I tried awkwardly for the handle of the seat to push it back.
Eden laughed at me. I smiled back at her as I fumbled for the handle.
“Sorry, Jack. Not used to having anyone so tall in the car.” She was still laughing at me as she leaned forward to get the handle under the seat. Her hand brushed past my leg and I could smell her perfume and hair as she leaned forward. Her head was only a few inches from mine.
“There we go,” she said, and the seat clicked back half a foot or so.
She looked up at me, eyes wide. A smile still on her face, but there was a glint in her eyes.
Does she want me to kiss her? Is that desire I can see in her eyes? I mean, shit. She’s still leaning over towards me. Well, here goes nothing.
I brought my hand up to her face, gently brushing her long hair back with my right hand as I softly caressed the fading bruise on her cheek. My hand looked huge against her small features, and I pushed her head up to face mine by her chin, leaning forward. Her lips parted slightly and a flush of color rose to her cheeks.
I leaned forward and pressed my lips to hers, gently at first. Her smell and presence filled my senses as I kissed her again, slightly harder this time. She returned the kiss, her hand on my thigh, squeezing me gently.
I reached my hand around behind her neck and cradled her head as I caressed her tongue with mine, groaning with desire. She tasted sweet, and I could feel the warmth from her buxom body as we kissed. I felt myself swelling at the thought of her naked, imagination running wild…
Her hand pushed into my chest as she sat back, gasping.
“Sorry, Jack. Not here. It needs to be right.” She was panting slightly, and her cheeks were flushed. I tried my best to clear the impulse I had to lean over, slip my hand under those pants and into the panties underneath them, make her gasp with pleasure while I kissed her neck…
“Eden. Don’t apologize. I got a bit carried away there.” I took a few deep breaths and focused my mind, trying to push away the thoughts of sex.
“Anyway, we got something to talk about. You said you were in trouble? Can you tell me what’s up?” I looked at her, my expression soft. I frowned with concentration and crossed my large arms, hearing the leather of my trench coat rub against itself. I tried to affect a dominant, concerned demeanor. Tried to put her at ease.
I saw her looking hungrily at the muscles bulging beneath my jacket. Then my shoulders, then up to my face. She sighed. Her voice was thick and husky when she spoke.
“Yeah, I got into some trouble. I really wish I hadn’t, so we could be somewhere else right now. Anyway, I got a visit from… well, from my old boyfriend.” She paused, looking up at me apologetically.
“We split up years ago, and I hadn’t even heard a word from him since. Then, all of a sudden, he turns up on my doorstep.”
I nodded sagely, waiting for her to continue.
“Thing is, Jack. My ex is Conall O’Rourke. He managed to get away when the O’Rourke gang was taken down. Now he’s back.”
I nodded again.
“I know, Eden. I’ve heard he’s back and cornering the meth market in town.” I saw her sigh with relief at my words.
“Oh. Well, he gave me some meth. The bruise too. Well, that wasn’t him. One of his horrible cronies.” She frowned angrily. I guessed the memory was still fresh in her mind.
I put my hand on her thigh reassuringly.
“Don’t worry, Eden. I’m looking into Conall O’Rourke. I’m gonna take him down.” She smiled at me, relief clearly evident on her face.
“Thing is, it would be much easier with your help.” I remembered her bruised face.
Not Conall? Then who, I wonder. Someone I need to go pay a visit, that’s for damn sure.
“Can you remember what the guy looked like who hit you?” I asked, keeping my voice low and reassuring.
“Not really. He was ugly. Looked a bit like a pig. And he had lots of gold teeth…” My sharp, angry intake of breath stopped her short.
“John O’Hanlan. That piece of work. Knew he was a scumbag, drug dealer, and a snitch. I thought he wasn’t worth my time, but he’s crossed the line now.” I suppressed the anger that was building within me.
Fuck you Goldie. Told you to stay out of my way. You’re in trouble now, sunshine.
“Oh, you know him? Well that’s something at least.” She looked up at me, concern on her face as she studied my features. I tried not to let the anger show.
“Yeah, I know him. I’m gonna pay him a little visit, I think. Don’t worry, he won’t be able to hurt you again. I’ll see him behind bars, one way or another.” I spoke through gritted teeth, nodding decisively.
Eden was looking at me with confused awe. I doubt she expected me to do much more than any other cop would, take a few notes and tell her I’d look into it. She’d struck gold, finding the most determined detective in town who was looking into her enemies.
One who didn’t have time for scumbags.
“One more thing, Jack. I’ve still got the meth Conall gave me.”
I turned to face her.
“You aren’t just a pretty face, are you? Damn, now that's just icing on the cake.” I tapped my chin thoughtfully, my mind racing over everything I had so far.
Well, shit. She might have just got me half way to taking down Conall O’Rourke.
“I’d need you to testify against Conall. Against his intimidation, assault. Admit that he was the one who gave you that meth. You’re the only one that can place him there. I wanna keep you safe. I can’t have you in danger when I’m taking Conall down.”
She looked down at her feet nervously. Her face was conflicted, unchecked emotions and worry present.
“I… ah… well, I want him out of my life, but I’m scared, Jack. He’s nasty, would do anything to get what he wants.” She looked up at me, and my heart broke at the vulnerability showing in her eyes.
“Listen, I’ll have a word with my boss. He’s a good guy, clean as me. See if we can get you into witness protection before we take Conall down. You’ll be safe. I can get Lucas to help, too.” I looked into her eyes, longing to help her.
“I’ll think about it. Can you give me some time? Just need to make sure, y’know.” She was gazing out into the distance, the dusk around us beginning to settle into darkness.
“Sure. Look, I’ll give you my cell. It’s always on. Always. You get any trouble from anyone, you call me. I’ll be there in 5, any time. I promise.” I scribbled my number down on a note and passed it to her. She smiled back at me, pressing the folded note into her bra. I found my eyes following her hand.
Damn. Shit, stay focused.
“There’s one more thing. I’ll need a sample of that meth, Eden. You got it at your house?”
“Yeah, it’s back home. I was gonna bring some, but I didn’t think it was a good idea, y’know.” She said softly, eyes on mine.
“You did the right thing, doll. Don’t worry. I’ll have to come over and get some. Just have to make sure I’m not seen…” I trailed off, thinking.
“Well, you could come through the back of the house. All you gotta do is sneak in. There’s an alleyway behind my back yard. You could jump over the wall right? You won’t be seen that way.” She looked at me proudly.
Damn, you’ve got this all planned out, don’t you? Got a match for my wit right here.
I laughed good naturedly. “You know what, you’d make a great detective, Eden. Smart… and beautiful. When’s good to come over?” She blushed at my compliment, smiling.
“Tomorrow night. We should make it late, after I’ve finished work. I’m working until close though. Come over about 11. That ok?”
“It’s a date.” I winked at her. She giggled back at me, her eyes on mine.
I leaned over and kissed her quickly on the lips again then rose to leave.
“Remember. Any trouble, call me.” I jogged back to my car, a plan forming in my mind.