The Reckoning (Earth Haven Book 3) by Sam Kates

Author:Sam Kates [Kates, Sam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Smithcraft Press
Published: 2015-12-21T13:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Nobody moved. Howard stood in front of his stool. Colleen sat on hers. Brianne had turned to look at the doorway through which she had entered only a minute or two previously.

Dermot’s left hand gripped Will by his good shoulder. In his other hand he held a pistol. A brown leather strap, standing out from the black leather of his jacket, ran across his chest and the barrel of a rifle poked from behind his back.

“Doubt if this is loaded,” said Dermot, holding up the pistol.

He pointed it at the ceiling and pulled the trigger. The gun jerked violently in his hand and he nearly dropped it. The report was shockingly loud and Howard’s bladder almost let go. Bri uttered a small shriek. Will jumped and scrunched up his eyes as a shower of plaster fell on him.

“Oops. My mistake.” Dermot chuckled as though he were a kindly uncle telling a joke. He moved the pistol to his left hand so he could shake his right. “Quite a kick. Thought for a moment I’d broken my wrist.” He moved the gun back to his right hand. This time, he gripped it with both hands as he pointed it up. “But I’m still not sure it’s loaded. Maybe it was just a round left in the chamber…”

He pulled the trigger and another report almost deafened Howard. A chunk of plaster fell from the ceiling, narrowly missing Will. An acrid, boiled egg smell reached Howard’s nostrils.

He stole a glance at Colleen. She had gone as white as Will’s plaster-covered hair. She noticed his look and shot him a grimace before addressing the Irishman.

“What do you want?”

“Now, is that any way to greet an old friend?” Through the ringing in Howard’s ears, Dermot’s voice sounded even softer than normal.

“Seriously, Dermot,” said Colleen, “we’re not friends.”

A smile stole over the man’s fleshy lips. “Oh, my beaut, we are so going to be friends.” He uttered a barking laugh. “Well, let’s say we’ll become close. Very close.”

In the silence that followed, a small voice spoke. “Please, sir? Can I stand by Bri?” Will was craning his neck to look up, and up at the man.

Without taking his eyes from Colleen, Dermot gave Will a light shove that sent him stumbling forward. Bri held out her hands and Will grabbed one with his good hand.

“I’m sorry, Bri. I didn’t see him. He opened the door and took the gun from me.” Will looked back at Dermot, his voice full of reproach. “That’s our gun.”

The Irishman ignored him. He hadn’t taken his eyes off Colleen.

Bri hugged Will to her and led him to the seating area. They sat side by side on a settee in the corner.

Howard breathed a silent sigh of relief. With the children as out of the way as they could be, he could concentrate on the man with the guns. He held out his hands in a placatory gesture.

“Dermot… or would you prefer Clint? Why don’t you put the pistol down, there’s a good chap.

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