The Conflict (The Eliminator Series Book 9) Read online

  “So what do you say?” Butch asked. “Do we have a deal?”

  Jacobs thought about it some more. “Possibly.”

  “What else can I say or do to bring you fully on board?”

  “Just so we’re clear, even if I agree to this, I want you to understand that I don’t work for you. And I certainly won’t take your orders. I’ll do what I want, whether you agree with it or not.”

  “As long as those disagreements don’t involve me or my team getting killed, I can live with that.”

  “Then I suppose we have a deal. But one further thing to digest: I don’t fully trust anybody, and that includes you. So while you say we’re on good terms, I’ve heard it before. As of now, I have nothing against you and no reason to put you on my list. But if you decide at some point in the future that you want me out of the way for whatever reason, understand that you’re not the first to try.”

  “I’m well aware. And for whatever it’s worth, you have my word that it will never happen with me.”

  “I guess we have an agreement then.”

  Butch smiled. “I’m very pleased to hear it. Do you have a number I can reach you at?”

  Jacobs got up from the table. “You’ll get it when I call you.” He then walked out of the restaurant.

  A grin formed on Butch’s face as he watched Jacobs disappear through the front doors. He could just feel that Ames’ death was imminent.

  7

  Jacobs opened the door, finding a familiar face standing there. It was Franks. Jacobs looked confused, though, since he wasn’t aware his friend was coming over.

  “Can I ask why you’re here?”

  Franks smiled. “Sure can.” He held up a plastic bag. “Fulfilling my part of the bargain.”

  “Of what?” Jacobs barged right past him. “Sure, come on in.”

  “Thank you. Took you long enough to invite me.”

  “I didn’t.”

  “I know. That’s why it took so long.”

  Jacobs wiped his forehead and then closed the door. “Eddie, what are you doing here?”

  “Told you. Completing my end of the deal.” He pulled out a couple bones from the bag.

  Now Jacobs knew. “You got your thousand dollars.”

  Franks smiled and shook his head. “Nuh-uh. I got two thousand. Butch was so pleased with how things went with you that he gave me a bonus.”

  “How nice for you.”

  “Isn’t it?”

  “Man, I can’t tell you how happy I am with this thing. You never know, he might even keep paying me extra for stuff. Who knows?”

  “Eddie, this is only a temporary thing.”

  “For you, maybe. Butch might wind up being my best customer after all this is said and done. He sees how I get things done. He might need me even after this is over.”

  “As long as it doesn’t involve me.”

  “I’ll have you know I did quite fine all by myself before you came along.”

  “So you’ve said.”

  “You call Butch with any information yet?”

  “No.”

  “Why not?”

  “‘Cause I don’t have any.”

  “Oh. Well, what are you waiting for? Step on out there and put the nose to the ol’ grindstone.”

  “Uh, getting information is your job, remember?”

  “Oh, yeah. Well, I ain’t got any right now.”

  “Guess that makes two of us.”

  “Why didn’t you give Butch your phone number? What if he’s got something that might interest you?”

  “If anyone finds out anything that interests me, it’ll be you,” Jacobs answered. “Besides, I don’t want him having my number and trying to track me down from it. When I call him, it’ll be from a prepaid phone that he can’t trace.”

  “Don’t trust anybody, do you?”

  “Should I?”

  “No. I hear you there.”

  The text ringer to Jacobs’ phone went off. He read it and a smile spread over his face, though he quickly suppressed it. The text was from Tiffany.

  “Hey, was heading over to the park right now. Just wondering if you wanted to join me? Maybe you could bring that handsome furry guy over? And you too, of course!”

  “What’s so funny?” Franks asked, reading his friend’s face.

  “Hmm? Oh, nothing.”

  “Who was that?”

  “Umm, nobody, really. Listen, I might take Gunner to the park.”

  “Right now?”

  “Is there something wrong with this time?”

  “Well, I just got here.”

  “Well, I guess you can stay until I get back. Maybe you can make some calls, figure out something on Ames.”

  “Oh. Just seems kinda sudden you’re leaving and all. Meeting someone or something?”

  “No. I’ve been planning on taking him all day. You didn’t tell me you were coming, so it just seems sudden because you just showed up out of the blue.”

  “Oh. OK. Well, I guess have fun.”

  “I’ll be back soon. Have a sandwich, make some calls, figure things out.”

  “Yeah, maybe I’ll do that. Ooh, maybe I can watch some soaps while you’re gone too.”

  “Uh, yeah. Yeah, you do that.”

  Jacobs went over to get Gunner’s leash. As soon as he grabbed it, Gunner’s head perked up, and he ran over to him. Jacobs bent down and attached the leash to his collar.

  He whispered in the dog’s ear, “You wanna go see Tiffany again?”

  Gunner stood up and started barking, circling around in excitement. He then jumped up on his owner, causing Jacobs to laugh.

  “OK, boy, OK. We’ll get going.”

  “He usually get that excited over the park?” Franks asked.

  “Uh, no, not usually. I guess this is a special case.”

  “What’s so special about it?”

  Jacobs shrugged. “Guess he hasn’t been there in a while?” Franks plopped himself down on a chair and put the TV on as Jacobs and Gunner went to the door. Jacobs looked back at his friend, who looked like he was making himself quite at home. “Enjoy yourself, Eddie.”

  “Oh, don’t worry about me, man. Go out and see the nature.”

  “You are going to make some calls and all, right?”

  “What? Oh, yeah, yeah, definitely. Definitely. Don’t worry about that. As soon as you leave, I’ll start burning up the phone. Practically burning a hole in my pocket right now.”

  “Uh huh.”

  It only took Jacobs about fifteen minutes to get to the park, and as soon as they got there, he sent Tiffany a message.

  “We just got here. The cute guy… and me.”

  Tiffany immediately replied. “Awe, you’re both cute! I’m actually sitting on the same bench as when we met. I guess it’s kind of my spot. Do you remember where it’s at?”

  “Sure do. Be right there.”

  Jacobs walked over to the spot, and as soon as they got within sight of Tiffany, Gunner darted over to her, his leash breaking free from Jacobs’ grasp. Since he was so highly trained, Jacobs didn’t worry about him being off-leash, and he knew where he was going, anyway. He continued walking calmly in that direction. Gunner ran right over to Tiffany, who was sitting on the bench reading a book, just like the last time they were there. He sat down in front of her, wagging his tail.

  Tiffany put her book down on the bench and started petting him. “Awe, hi, buddy.” She rubbed both sides of his face. “I missed you too.”

  Jacobs finally got to the bench and smiled at Gunner. “Looks like someone made a new friend.”

  “He’s so adorable.”

  “When I got your text, I said your name, and he got so excited. He knew who you were.”

  “Awe, did you?” Tiffany continued petting her new friend. “You’re such a good boy.” Gunner jumped up and licked her face. Tiffany started laughing.

  “Hey, easy, Gunner.”

  “No, it’s OK. I really don’t mind.” She put her face in
front of Gunner’s so he could lick her cheek. “Doggie kisses are the best.”

  Jacobs sat down next to Tiffany, both of them petting Gunner. It actually seemed like a normal moment. He had so few of them. It felt nice to feel normal again.

  “He’s such a good boy,” Tiffany said.

  “He is. Don’t know where I’d be without him.”

  “Crucial to your work?”

  “Yeah, I usually bring him with me on jobs if I feel it’s necessary.”

  “You know, you’ve mentioned how dangerous things are for you sometimes, but you never really said exactly what it is you do.”

  Jacobs grinned, thinking of how he could explain it better, without really telling her exactly. He didn’t want to just flat out lie to her either. “Umm. Well, I guess you could say I provide security for people who are either worried for their safety, or the safety of others. I provide protection.”

  “Against who?”

  “Usually against dangerous criminals, organized crime, usually things like that.”

  “Oh my gosh, that really does sound dangerous.”

  Jacobs smiled. “It can be. I’ve had a lot of close calls over the years. Gunner too. We’ve both been shot as a result of our work.”

  “Oh my god, are you kidding? You’ve both been shot?”

  “Yeah. His was actually worse than mine.” Jacobs pet Gunner again. “He got through it though, luckily.”

  Tiffany pet Gunner too. “I’m so glad. I can’t imagine anything bad happening to this beautiful dog.” She looked at Jacobs. “Or you either.”

  “Just part of the job.”

  “Ever think about doing something else? Something more… safe?”

  Jacobs smiled and shook his head. “No. I quit the police after… after my family was killed. And doing this provided… I guess it provided something I needed.”

  “Danger?”

  Jacobs laughed. “No, not quite. Umm, it’s hard to explain. I lost myself for a long time. A lot of people say I still am. Doing this gave me… a purpose, I guess. It provided some relief. An outlet. I’m not really sure if that makes any sense to you, but… I guess that’s how I’ve coped all this time.”

  “It provided a way for you to channel all your pain and unleash it.”

  Jacobs looked at her, his eyes getting a little glossy, though he was able to prevent any tears from falling. “Yeah. I guess it did.”

  “I can understand that. I mean, I can’t understand what it’s like to have to go through what you have, and I wouldn’t even try to pretend that I do. It’s got to be the worst thing imaginable.”

  “Yeah. Pretty much. I’m sorry, I know that really makes me seem like a downer and all…”

  Tiffany put her hand on his forearm. “No, it doesn’t. It just makes you human. We all have to deal with things in life, some worse than others, and you definitely qualify with that. It just means that maybe you need more help from people you know to help get you through it.”

  Jacobs sighed. He was about to say something that he really didn’t want to, but thought that it was probably better for her that he did. It wasn’t even what he planned on saying when he agreed to meet her. It just came over him suddenly. “Tiffany…” He sighed again.

  “Uh oh.” She had an idea what he was going to say or do. “I’m about to get a talk, aren’t I?”

  “You know, you seem like a really nice person. You’re pretty, smart, warm, friendly, a lot of things that a lot of people would find extremely appealing.”

  “But not you?”

  “It’s not that. I do. I really do. I just don’t want you to feel like…” Jacobs struggled with what to say. “I just… you’re probably better off if we don’t see each other again after this.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because if we keep seeing each other, and… we… start liking each other more, I don’t want you to… you deserve better than me. You deserve more than I can give. I… I’m… I’m damaged goods. You would deserve someone who doesn’t need or require as much time and effort.”

  Tiffany wiped a few tears from her eyes. “Brett, I… like I said, I can’t know what you’re going through or what you’ve gone through. All I can do is be who I am, and try to help you through what you’re feeling. But whatever it is that you’re going through, you can get through it, if you let someone help you. And I don’t mind being that person.”

  Jacobs grinned. “You’re a special person. And that’s why you deserve someone better than me. It would be better for you if you forgot about me.”

  “And if I don’t want that?”

  “Tiffany, don’t make it harder than it has to be.”

  “What if we tried something else?”

  “Such as?”

  “We can just be friends. We don’t have to put any unnecessary pressure or expectations on anything. We don’t have to date, we don’t have to do anything except be friends. Would that work?”

  “It sounds like you’re just trying to delay the inevitable.”

  “I don’t understand why you think it’s inevitable. Why couldn’t you at least try?”

  “Because I don’t want to hurt you. And even just being friends… if in six months you still want more and I can’t give you that, then that just postpones that pain.”

  “Or, your heart could eventually thaw.”

  “You’re clinging to a hope that probably isn’t there.”

  “And you’re assuming something won’t happen that might. Not to compare you with kindergartners, but to work with them, you need a lot of patience. I have a lot of patience, Brett.”

  Jacobs felt bad as he looked at her face and saw a tear rolling down her cheek. He reached over and wiped it off. Though not under great circumstances, touching her felt nice. Normal. And he continued to fight that normalcy, believing he could never have it again.

  Tiffany slipped her hand into his. “Can we at least try? I promise I’m not over possessive or jealous or anything like that. I’ll let you have your space when you need it.”

  Jacobs’ mind went to Valerie. “The last time I was with someone, they died because of me. Because of what I did. Being around me is not a healthy or wise decision.” Holding Tiffany’s hand felt so nice that he didn’t even realize that he was.

  “That won’t happen again.”

  Jacobs looked down. “I can’t guarantee that. The man who killed my family is still in prison. He’s still alive. That means he still has a personal grudge against me. And if he were to ever find out that I was dating someone again, believe me, he would have no problem issuing an order to kill you, just to cause me pain. He would. And believe me, he is very capable of that.”

  Tiffany started crying more, unable to control her tears. She reached over and hugged Jacobs, who felt miserable he was doing this to her. But it was for her own good. That was what he kept telling himself.

  “I just wish you’d give it a chance.”

  Jacobs patted her on the back. “Once you start thinking clearly about this, you’ll realize it’s the best decision for you. You’ll eventually understand that. I hope.”

  8

  Franks was standing at the street corner, waiting for his contact to arrive. It was a guy he had used before, though not too often. But the previous three times he’d used him, the tips all paid off and were accurate. He hoped this proved to be the same. The man told him he had a hot tip on where Wilson Ames was going to be later that night. Security was supposedly going to be light, though he didn’t know the exact circumstances of why.

  Franks looked at the time. His contact was a few minutes late. He had a general rule of giving people a few extra minutes, though considering the importance of the information, he didn’t mind extending the time since he had nowhere else to go at the moment. The wait lasted another ten minutes. Then a car pulled up along the curb. The windows were tinted, and the vehicle sat there, waiting for Franks to approach. Franks continued to stand there, looking at the car cautiously in case there was someon
e in there with nasty intentions. Suddenly, the driver side window rolled down, though only about a quarter of the way. Franks still couldn’t see who the driver was.

  “Eddie,” a man yelled out.

  Franks looked around before moving. Then he went over to the car. “Hey, man, what you got for me?”

  The window rolled down all the way, revealing a gun pointed straight at him. “I got this.” The driver smiled, appearing to be very proud of himself.

  “What is this?”

  “Looks like your guy ain’t showing tonight. But you’re in luck. There’s someone else who wants to talk to you.”

  “Who’s that?”

  The man nodded toward the back. “Open the door and find out. If you try to run, I’ll shoot you in the back.”

  Franks gulped. “All right, man, all right. No need for all that.” He took a few steps to his right and pulled on the handle to the back door. It opened and Franks looked inside.

  “Good evening, Mr. Franks,” Ames said. “Pleasant night tonight, isn’t it?”

  “Well, it was. Not so sure about now, though.”

  “Nonsense. Get in, let’s chat.”

  Franks sighed and looked down at the pavement. The last time he’d chatted with Wilson Ames, he wound up tied up and beaten in some type of warehouse that Jacobs had to rescue him from. He sure hoped he wasn’t in line for another round of that.

  “Get in, get in,” Ames said politely.

  As nicely as Ames was talking, Franks thought something must be wrong. Of course, he could afford to talk nicely. He had one of his boys with a gun pointed at Franks. Franks didn’t have the same luxury.

  “Come in, come in, before we get a ticket for loitering.”