Enzo (Jinx Tattoos 1)
“I need you to pay attention, yes?”
“Sure, Da,” she said, confused. She knew how to shoot, they’d been priming her since she was twelve.
“I need to know you can hold your own. Things are picking up around here.”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
He walked toward her and placed hand on her shoulder. “One day, it may just be you and your ma. I want to be sure you two can fend for yourselves.”
The finality in his tone frightened her. “Is something wrong?”
“No, no. Just looking out for my family. Life here can be hazardous to one’s health. So pay close attention now for me, my girl, yeah?”
She nodded her head, feeling stunned. The thought of life without her da was a foreign concept. Sobered, she focused in on his words, and directions.
“I want you to unload this entire clip without hesitation.”
“Then how will I know if I’m accurate?”
“You don’t always have time to brace yourself and aim,” he said. His words were clipped and his voice was gruff. It was the attitude he usually reserved for his men in arms.
She stood straighter and nodded.
“Good girl. Aim. Fire. Again. Again.”
She’d built a pile of brass in the field as she shot targets full of holes. The whole thing smacked of a desperation she didn’t understand. The Army took care of their own. What was he so afraid of?
PRESENT
She hadn’t understood then that shit was about to go to hell in a handbasket. A power play was in motion. Which meant cleaning house and taking out those who would protest the upheaval. He’d been killed by the very people he’d trusted most. It’d been a harsh life lesson. Not everyone who makes nice and smiles in your face is your friend. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as she got into the car, overwhelmed by the events piling up on top of her.
Chapter Ten
M’fhiorghra (Meer-Grah): my true love (literal translation of the soulmate concept)
A Chuisle (Uh Khush-leh): pulse
Leanbh (Lan-uv): child
Enzo
“I’ve officially turned into a fucking pussy,” he muttered, watching the telephone. He hadn’t heard a word from Aibhlinn since yesterday.
Aoife peered up at him as if to say, ‘What are you talking about?’
“Girls, they’ll drive a man insane, Aoife. Let’s hope you’re easier to read.”
The phone rang, but the name that popped up was Snake.
“Hello,” he said, trying to keep the worry from his voice.
“Hey, man, Pres says we’re good to go on this. You been good to us, and what you’re trying to do here is a good thing.”
He released a sigh of relief. “Thank you. If you need something after this, I’m your man.”
“Just keep inking us. I’m on my way to your place if you’re available. I got some information on that situation you mentioned the other day,” Snake said.
“Yeah, I’m here. Just come on by.”