Total pages in book: 131
Estimated words: 122609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 613(@200wpm)___ 490(@250wpm)___ 409(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 613(@200wpm)___ 490(@250wpm)___ 409(@300wpm)
All three watched a short snippet of Irish’s coming home party from prison. A co-worker had posted it on social media. Bannon swallowed, then looked downright disgusted.
“Yes, the proof is right there. Word on the street is that insane ‘Irish the Wilde’ has a bone to pick with you, Bannon.”
“Me? Why’s that?” The man laughed nervously.
“There’s no need to pretend with me. I think you realize that she’s almost as dangerous as Archer when she has someone in her sights. I worked with her at the company for years, and though she’s efficient, she’s out of her fucking mind. Spent time in a psych ward as a teenager for a year or so. She killed a lady in prison, too. No one could prove it, but she did it. Archer told me that out of his own mouth. Irish is a ticking time bomb, Dr. Bannon, but she’s smart as fuck. She has this odd liking for hacking into people’s computers, making electronic devices and most importantly, bizarre weapons and explosives out of little odds and ends. She likes to fight, too. Fuck people up. Watch ’em bleed. Hurt people, Dr. Bannon. Hurt ’em bad. She’s like a female Unabomber who also throws hands. I just wanted to give you a heads up that she may be headin’ your way.”
The color seemed to drain from Dr. Bannon’s face. He looked down at the table, then back at Billy. No words needed to be spoken. Everyone knew that Bannon was responsible for her arrest. The prisons and streets talked.
“I see… It appears I may have a problem in the future, since you say Irish feels I am responsible for her arrest.” He wore a stiff smile as he tapped on the table.
“Oh, you definitely have a problem on your hands, and that’s not all. She believes you had Joshua Young murdered, too. She and Archer are pretty upset about that. Neither of them ever forget a transgression. Memories like elephants. Hold grudges better than buckets hold water.”
The air in the room felt colder now.
“What other information do you have, Billy?” Bannon’s eyes gleamed with barely contained rage, then he scowled. He angrily shoved the phone back across the table. Billy grabbed it and slipped it back in his coat.
“Well, I believe I can get more information for you since I’m still on the payroll. I’m still Archer’s right hand-man and his—”
“Doesn’t matter that you’re on the payroll if the man won’t fucking talk to you. He couldn’t possibly believe you’re his right-hand man anymore if he’s taken some of your duties away.” How does he know that? “If he doesn’t trust you, he won’t tell you his thoughts. His ideas. What he and his sister are planning. You’re useless to me.”
“I don’t know where you’re getting your information from, but Archer and I, though buttin’ heads, are still in open communication.”
The doctor just glared at him, looking rather suspicious. He regarded his watch.
“He may still be speaking to you, but he would rather die than tell you his secrets. I am fully aware of Archer’s nature. He won’t tell you shit,” the doctor spat. “If you’re going to use me for revenge, then you come with something better than this. I have a two PM surgery scheduled and must get going.”
“Wait, there’s more.”
Bannon sighed. “Tell me why I should trust you? Why should I believe anything you say? You’ve tipped me off about Irish. Fine. But I have no real proof that she’s concerned about me in the least. How do I know this isn’t some sort of set up?”
“You should trust me because I’m done with Archer, Bannon. He’s shitted on me for the last time. He’s used me for years for his grunt work. I should’ve been made a partner by now. I’ve earned it! He kept me as a flunky. Runnin’ his errands. Putting myself in harm’s way while he stood around looking pretty, vacationing in Costa Rica, conducting phony interviews about his box company, and running around this fucking city shooting arrows into people’s heads for fun! He’s a maniac, and he’s puttin’ everything above the company now. Losing focus. I won’t stand by someone who doesn’t give a shit about me or his crew.”
“Hmmm.” Dr. Bannon smiled. “Sounds like this is personal.”
“It’s definitely personal at this point. I’ll be real with you. He’s done several things that I’ve found reprehensible as of late. The worst offense? He killed a teammate of mine, Tone, over someone who was worthless. A woman he barely knows. He killed that man over some pussy. I have lost complete respect for Archer. There’s no coming back from this.”
Dr. Bannon grinned and rubbed on his lower lip with his pointer finger. He was quiet for a while, his expression thoughtful.
“Yes… women can mess up a good thing, now can’t they?” He smirked. “Adam and Eve strikes again, hey? I must say though, Billy, I need more than this if you want to get into my good graces and receive an appreciation gift, if you will, for your time.” He waved his finger in his direction. “You come here and divulge that Irish is on the prowl, that you and he are no longer seeing eye to eye, and this Batman and Robin duo between the two of you is officially over. Thank you for the warning, and I am well aware of your resume, but I’m not hiring.”