Page 134 of Dirty Eoin

“Jaine.”

A New York accent with a Dublin undercurrent.

Silence once more as we try to assess one another. An impossible task with neither of us prepared to give anything away.

“Jaine, could we have a private word, please?”

I swing my attention back to Fergal. “No.”

A fleeting look crosses his lined face. It’s gone as quickly as it arrived. I have no idea what it was. I don’t fucking care. I doubt there are many who would dare say no to Da Duster. Not even his own sons. Perhaps not even Roisin.

“Perhaps you and I could have a word alone after the festivities.”

I swing my attention back to Roisin.

I stare. She stares.

“Jaine.” My name is quietly spoken from behind me.

I immediately spin around with a grin on my face. “Dyl.”

“We have a shooting range on the property if you fancy yourself an expert shot. I mean, I’m rubbish, but….” He smiles at me and it’s like a welcoming hug.

“I’d like that, Dyl. I’d like that a lot.” My own smile silently thanks him for his timely intervention.

* * *

“I’msorry it’s not your usual style or quality of weapon, Jaine, but for us mere mortals a gun’s a gun.”

I can’t help but laugh out loud in response.

Dylan and I have walked the one hundred or so meters to the shooting range on the property. I knew it existed. Fergal mentioned it last time I was here. I declined his offer for him and I to pay it a visit then for obvious reasons. I’m quite partial to my head being attached to my body.

I guess, as mobsters, they need all the practice they can get, as when push comes to shove, it’s either our skull or someone else’s. Speed and accuracy are essential. Trust me, I know that better than most. I also understand their choice of practice weapon as it’s what the majority of our kind carry in real life. Two-legged targets are typically short-range unless you’re a professional sharpshooter like yours truly. I pick up one of the pistols. Its solid weight feels good in my hand but it’s not quite the same.

“I can use a pistol, Dyl, but I do have a preference for rifles, as you know.”

“There’s a suitable weapon in my office.”

We both turn and stare at Fergal. He silently followed us. Did the gentle breeze carry any of our private conversation back to him? Not that we said anything condemning.

Dylan and I know when to talk mundane matters.

I know the gun Fergal’s referring to. It spoke to me silently last time I was here.

I look beyond him to see the others filing in our direction. All except for Sarah, Cillian, and Jessie. They’ll be looking after the little ones.

“Dylan?”

Dyl glances at his da. They share a look. It’s an exchange that says,go fetch the rifle and be quick about it because I want to see exactly what this biker chick is made of.

Dylan swings his attention back to me with a knowing smirk. “I’ll be back in two ticks, Jaine.”

I nod.

“The targets are electronic.”

“Good to know, Fergal.” I don’t even look at him.

---