I took a deep breath and stared at the door of O’Hare’s.
At least my guys got out. I wasn’t going to lose anyone else, no matter what. If I took a bullet and died here today, at least I got my guys out.
I nodded to myself, closed my eyes for a moment, then opened them again.
I got up to start running, but the scream of tires on pavement brought me up short. Luca was behind the wheel of the SUV, and Aldo fired like crazy out the back window.
“Steven!” Colleen screamed out the window.
I ran and dove in the back seat. “Drive!” I yelled.
Luca slammed on the gas and the car jolted forward. Bullets pinged off the back bumper, but we were away. Luca took the turn fast and sped down the block.
“Everyone alive?” I asked.
“I think so,” Aldo said.
“Fuck,” Simon groaned. “I’m alive. But fuck. I’m shot.”
I moved his hand and looked at the wound. I took off my jacket and bundled it up.
“Use this,” I said, pressing it against his wound.
He held it there, his face blanched white.
“Go to my place,” I told Luca. “I’m calling Chen. We need a doctor.”
“What the fuck was that?” Aldo asked. “What the fuck happened?”
“Sniper on the roof,” Luca said.
I pulled my phone from my pocket. “They were waiting for us,” I said.
“No,” Luca said, shaking his head. “No, that was only one guy. I think… I think they probably put someone on that roof every night. I bet he was half asleep and only woke up when Aldo started talking.”
I grunted and frowned at him. That made some sense, but even still. “Why would they do that?” I asked.
“The place is important to my uncle,” Colleen said. “Maybe… maybe that’s why.”
I shook my head. I didn’t buy it, but I didn’t have time to argue.
I called Chen’s cell and told him the situation. He said he’d meet us back at my place, and he didn’t sound happy about it.
He’d be happy enough once I paid him.
Luca pulled up to my place and slammed on the brakes. I hopped out and grabbed Simon. He climbed out with some difficulty, and I helped him up and into my living room. I got him down on the couch then turned to Aldo and Luca.
“Get rid of the car,” I said. “And bring me a new one.”
“Got it,” Luca said.
“Want the same one?” Aldo asked.
I gave him a look. “I don’t give a shit,” I said. “Just get me a car.”
He shrugged and followed Luca back to the car. I closed the door and turned back to Simon. He was pale and sweating, and Colleen sat down next to him, fretting over his shoulder.
“You okay?” I ask.
He nodded, his face drawn and tight. “I think so.’
“All right. Stay put.” I took a step toward the kitchen. “Colleen, come with me.”
She stood and followed without a word. I led her into the kitchen and poured three glasses of whisky. She accepted her glass silently and stared at it. She leaned against the counter and stayed there as I took Simon his drink.
“Have some,” I said. “It’ll help what’s going to happen next.”
He groaned and threw the drink back. I nodded and went back into the kitchen.
Colleen stared at me and I could tell she was thinking about something.
“What happened back there?” I asked, my voice soft. “Did you know about someone on the roof?”
“No,” she said, her eyes wide. “I mean, I knew they did that sometimes. Something they learned from the IRA again. Provos used to hide on the roofs of buildings in the Catholic neighborhoods, snipers that would kill any Protestant that came down their streets. But I didn’t know—”
“Didn’t know?” I asked. “Or conveniently forgot?”
She stared at me, her mouth hanging open. “What the hell are you suggesting?”
I stepped up and stood right in her face. I forced my anger away and stared into her eyes.
“That was your idea,” I said. “You told me to go there. Did you know they’d have someone on the roof?”
“No,” she said, her lips drawn back in a sneer. “And maybe you should’ve gotten inside faster, or been a little quieter.”
I reached out and pinned her against the counter with my hands. I grabbed her wrists and held them down as she stared up at me. I released her right wrist and grabbed her hair hard, pulling her head back.
She gasped as I kissed her neck.
“Don’t lie to me,” I whispered.
“I’m not lying.” She stared at me, her eyes hard, her mouth hanging open. “I wouldn’t do that.”
“Wouldn’t betray me?” I asked. “I don’t see why not. You don’t owe me anything, do you?”
“I just… I wouldn’t.”
I pulled tighter and she groaned. I kissed up her neck and found her lips. I kissed her, hungry, angry, and I wanted to take that frustration out on her.
“I believe you,” I said, breaking off the kiss. “But don’t make me regret this.” I released her and stepped back.
She rubbed her wrist and glared at me. “You don’t have to be an asshole.”
I shook my head. “You don’t get it, do you? I’m not going to lose anyone else.”
“That doesn’t mean you get to be a bastard.” She turned away from me and sipped her drink. She finished half of it and put it down on the counter.
“Go upstairs,” I said, keeping my voice level. “When Chen gets here, I’m going to pay him up front. And then I’ll be up to see you.”
She turned and stared at me, mouth hanging open again.
“What are you talking about?”
“Go upstairs,” I said, speaking softly. “Go into my room and wait for me there.” I stepped close and touched her cheek with my palm.
She nuzzled against it for a moment and took a sharp breath before pulling herself together. She gave me a long look then
