Give Me War - Kate McCarthy Page 0,47
about Eli?” I ask, referring to my brother’s childhood best friend, Elijah Rossiter.
They were joined at the hip during school, both of them making their way up the ranks of the force after graduation. Eli was due to become the youngest Chief Inspector in NSW Police history. Then it came to light he had a half-brother, Adam Rossiter, known only as Ross. They were raised by different mothers in different states. Eli was born on the side of good, and Ross the bad. Only sometimes good turns bad too. Unless it’s been bad all along. Who knows? I was never close with Eli.
Ross fronted as gang leader for the King Street Boys, but we found out later it was Eli who ran the show. The Melbourne gang had everyone in their pocket—celebrities, politicians, even the police.
When my brother found out, he did the coldest thing I’ve ever seen him do. He kept the friendship and bided his time, not saying a word until he was ready, and when he was? He brought the whole gang down in a police sting that made international news.
Both he and Gabriella got shot for it. He lived, she died, and Eli went to prison. My brother hasn’t been the same since.
“Dammit, Mitch. He knows Frankie. You all went to school together. They might not catch on to who she is with Eli being in prison, but it’s only a matter of time.”
Mitch rubs hands over his face. “We need to get her out.”
“How much time do we have?”
“Enough. We might have played into their hands today, but our show of force with the Sentinels was something they didn’t see coming. The whole point of bringing the bikers in to this shitshow was to demonstrate the kind of backing we have and make them think twice about coming after us again. If they want retribution, they’re going to bide their time about it.”
I nod, noting how my brother works his jaw, his eyes on the distance. Mitch is nothing if not smart. He’s already formulating a plan.
Whatever it is, I’m right behind him. None of us can live with the threat of retribution forever. We can beef up security, keep our ears to the ground, and the Sentinels on speed dial, but one way or another, this is going to end.
I look to Evie. She’s bruised and sore, wincing as Stuart tends to her face. But there’s a man I don’t know hovering at her side, talking as if they’re fast friends. She’s looking up at him, laughing as sunlight dances over the beautiful warm hue of her skin, hitting some of the lighter strands in her hair and turning it gold.
My protective instincts hit overdrive and I leave Mitch with the others, making my way back to her side.
“Jared, this is Moses O’Reilly,” she says, introducing me when she sees me coming over and I realise the man is no stranger. He’s the one who removed the vest from Evie. “Moses, this is my husband, Jared.”
I offer my hand. He leans in and shakes it. I use my other hand to squeeze his shoulder in gratitude before letting go. “Thank you. We owe you a huge debt. If there’s anything you ever need …”
The man shrugs. “I’d say I’m just doing my job, but it’s not every day that job involves removing explosive devices from celebrities.” Someone calls his name and he glances over his shoulder, giving a quick wave. “I need to get going.”
Evie offers a smile. “Thank you, Moses, for what you did.”
“I’ll be seeing you at your next show,” he tells her, and gives me a friendly slap on the back as he walks off, saying over his shoulder with a laugh, “Hope you like the name Moses, man.”
I lift a brow at Evie in question, but instead of explaining, she just looks at me and all I can see is the light slowly leaching from her eyes until everything she’s feeling is laid bare for me to see. She’s held herself together for too long. That she feels safe enough to let go with me means everything. Maybe it’s not too late for us after all.
“I want to go home.” Her face crumples and tears start to fall. I tug Evie to her feet and wrap my arms around her, and while I’m relieved to have her back with me, there’s rage too. It eats away at my insides over what she’s endured. “I just want to go home.”
She shudders