It is time, once again, for us writers to be inspired and scribble out some words because it is Wednesday and that;s what we do. Right? So, #1lineWed is back to somewhat inane themes but whatever. This week, the THEME, with explanation/hints, is **IN — Opposite of out. Thrall. Place. Bruges.** #ThursdayThreads was a great follow-on to last week’s with “You’re going to pay for that.” Rather than find some way to incorporate it into my “current” WIP (CROSSFIRE), Iffy sent my brain a different direction. She, and It, decided to revisit the Moonstruck Mafia WIP. As a set up, Maura Brannigan is a Boston ADA. The DA, Alex Crenshaw, is a real piece of work. Ronan O’Conner, alpha Wolf and second in command of Boston’s Irish mob, has taken an interest in Maura for all the reasons a Wolf does. 😉 Anyway, this is around the middle of the story. The chemistry is there but they havven’t exactly hooked up yet.
****
Maura jerked around as the door to her office slammed shut. Alex, all but foaming at the mouth, stalked across the floor, his footsteps silent on the government-grade carpet. She raised her chin and braced herself. Her boss had a mean temper and he’d raked her over the coals more than once when they butted heads over a case but today he appeared almost deranged. She didn’t back down as he got right up in her face and she gripped the sides of her tailored slacks to keep from shoving him away.

“What the hell did you think you were doing!” It wasn’t a question so she remained quiet. “You stupid cunt. You’ve probably ruined the case we’ve built against Tommy Gallagher’s murderer.”

“All the evidence is circumstantial. You have no means, no motive, no weapon. In fact, the medical examiner’s report says that Gallagher was killed by an animal. The man you arrested does not own a dog. And he has an alibi.”

Alex got even closer but he was so agnry no words came out when he tried to speak. A small part of her brain wondered if he was having a stroke. Spittle flew from his mouth as he slapped her. She gagged when it landed on her face. With supreme calm and control, she pulled his immaculately folded handkerchief from his suit coat pocket and wiped her face.

Neither of them realized they were no longer alone until Ronan O’Connor spoke. “You’re going to pay for that.”

Maura backed up, Alex’s handkerchief still clutched in her fist. She’d come close to punching the man but Ronan’s arrival prevented her from taking that reckless step. Feral red flashed in his eyes and she truly feared that he would kill Alex. She had to regain control of the situation right now. She opened her mouth but had to clear the lump in her throat before the words would come out. “Mr. O’Connor—”

“A man doesn’t hit a woman.” He cut her off, totally ignoring her. He remained completely focused on Alex. is Irish accent was thick and his voice so gruff it was mostly growl.

“Get out.” Alex spat the words, literally.

Ronan reached for Maura’s hand and retrieved the handkerchief. He slowly wiped his face and then stuff it back into Alex’s pocket. “Ms. Brannigan, would you like me to summon the police so you can file assault charges?” His smile was slow and wicked but his remained hot and deadly. “I will happily sign a witness statement that the District Attorney lost control and struck one of his female employees.
****
And there you have it.” I will get back to Boston one of these days, hopefully before the end of the year. We’ll see. No promises but hey! Lots and lots of teasers because I’m all tricky like that. You have your assignment, wirters, should you wish to play. Readers, what’s your favorite form of payback?.