Reckless Promise

“Hard to say, really.”

“I will,” the guard says, raising his hands. “I never liked that prick, but he paid well.”

“How about this then? You can earn your life by leaving here and finding all the captains that went with Hugh. Find them and tell them about what happened. Tell them to come to this restaurant tonight to pledge their loyalty to me. If they don’t come, their life is forfeit, and if any fail to show up, you’re a dead man too. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir, I understand.” The guard sidesteps toward the door then practically runs out.

I shove my gun back into the waistband of my pants. I look around the room and give a little bow, grinning, and my men start clapping and laughing. “Drinks on the house,” I call out and gesture at Finn and Angus. They get behind the bar and start pouring.

“Think they’ll come?” Clyde asks softly, arms crossed.

“For that poor bastard’s sake, I hope they do.”

“A few might decide to run.”

“I don’t plan on killing anyone, if that’s what you’re trying to find out. Assuming they come here and pledge loyalty. But I meant it when I said their lives are forfeit if they try to escape.”

Clyde sighs and puts his gun away. “I’ll go talk to a few of them. How late will you stay?”

“Until the morning.”

“All right. I’ll be back with good news, I hope.” Clyde salutes with a smile and walks off.

I turn to the bar. Tara’s sitting there, watching me. She’s smiling, though there are tears in her eyes. I go to her, wading through an ocean of my men first, shaking hands, accepting congratulations, laughing at lewd jokes. Behind me, in the booth, Hugh’s body cools. His blood drips down the wall. I’ll get someone to clean up that mess and get this place back into working order soon.

For now, I finally reach Tara and take her hand. She stands and I kiss her, hugging her tight.

“It’s over then,” she says quietly.

“Not quite. One more thing to do first. But the hard part’s done.”

“Can I admit that I was nervous?”

“You can, but I’m almost insulted. This was a good plan.”

“Still, I was nervous.”

“It’s over.” I kiss her neck. “Have some wine. Head home when you’re ready. It’s going to be a late night.”

“I want to stay, if that’s okay. I mean, I know it’s not really my place, but—”

“Your place is by my side.”

She grins and we go to the bar together.