Mercenary Wolf

Ch 18

Ed and I spent the wee hours of the morning in the balcony. I helped him connect the dots all the way to Jimbo. That took three shots alone. We finished the morning listening to the stories about Little Wolf. I did love hearing that woman's voice.

"Now I ain't decided I can risk exposing our guys to werewolves," I told Eddie between stories. "Fighting a dog is easy, specially if you ain't worried about a bite or two on the arm."

I shook my head, pouring Eddie his last shot. He had stretched his legs and was looking wobbly.

"But a werewolf, just getting yourself reacting in a fight, knowing any knick by tooth or claw might... I hadn't got to the point of asking how it all works yet, but I understand why Jimbo stayed away. I can't bring myself to risk our guys. Jimbo can't bring himself to risk us..."

I was interrupted by Eddie's snore. Hmmpht. I knew the feeling. I still hadn't heard the story from Eddie about what happened after I left, why the black wolf came by.

I felt better having had Eddie as a sounding board. I decided I'd been right to tell him. My own brain was connecting the dots better and faster, and without the need to soften the blows to what I'd thought was reality with booze.

I put the cap on the bottle of Crown. Overall, Eddie hadn't drank much. He seldom did. I moved the bottle a little with just a finger. I could take a sip, Ed wouldn't know. The amber liquid held a certain beauty. But I had no desire to uncap the bottle again. I found myself smiling. When I'd brought the bottle up, I'd made sure it was a new one, still sealed. Ed needed to be able to trust me, really trust me.

I needed to be able to trust myself.

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Sorry for the short chapter, but it seemed so complete! Please remember to add comments wherever, and taking that second to vote by clicking the star is greatly appreciated😘