Page 119 of Hostile Saint

A brow lifted as he licked his teeth. “So, there is a little spark in the pup, after all. I was starting to think my men made up the whole spoon attack.”

I grumbled, “I have a gun now.”

“Did it replace your binky?”

“My what?”

He sat forward, leaning his elbows on his knees like I’d seen his brother do. “Listen up, Pup.” He exhaled, “I’m going to answer all your questions with this; I believe your officers are doing whatever it takes to keep you safe, so be patient. And forgiving. No matter what you see, try and remember we have our own way of handling things.”

When I just sat there, staring at him, trying to control my imagination that had just been set ablaze, he snarled, “El comprend-o?”

The Stallion knock I was learning well rattled the door. Diesel unlocked it to let Lynx, Justice, and Dagger inside. As Charlie rushed past them, I quickly noticed the VCR in Dagger’s hand, and something else.

Charlie jumped up on the bed and sat with me while I observed my friends. They all appeared quite calm, but Lynx and Dagger had bloody knuckles and Justice had a speck of blood on her face.

Diesel eyed me as if reminding me of the words he’d just spoken.

Petting Charlie, I swallowed, then asked my officers, “Are you okay?”

Not answering, Justice took a seat at the table with Diesel while Dagger went to the TV on the dresser and started hooking up the player.

Lynx sat on the other bed and faced me. Looking at his red knuckles, I asked, “Were you in a fight?”

He stared at them. “You could say that.”

I was figuring out the truth, so it bothered me that details were still being hidden. I grumbled, “What is with all the vague answers lately?”

Leaning behind the TV with a cord in his hand, Dagger warned, “Pup, knock it off.”

I crossed my arms in a scowling manner.

Lynx smirked. “I sure like seeing that fire, kid.”

Everyone in the room was smiling, so I asked, “What?”

Lynx shrugged. “No matter how many kicks to the gut, you still keep showing glimpses of fight in ya.” He dipped his chin. “We respect that.” His smile faded. “Especially knowing we have another kick to deliver.”

“Oh, God.” I stopped touching Charlie and grabbed my cell. “Lace?”

Charlie whimpered.

“Kid! Calm the fuck down,” demanded Lynx. “She’s fine.”

I pointed to his hands. “Then, what happened?”

He shook his head. “Club business. But what I can tell you is we found the rat.” He looked to the dark grey carpet. “It seems your shitty brothers know you’re alive, and that’s why they bailed. Which may mean—Damn, I’m sorry, kid.”

Scared shitless, I madly tapped on my phone. “No! She was sleeping!”

Dagger turned and leaned against the dresser. “Lynx! You’re gonna give this kid a heart attack!” He told me, “For Lacey’s safety, we’re gonna have to proceed with the false identities.”

Oh. I exhaled. “Is that it?” I looked to Lynx. “But, she’s okay?”

Dagger pointed to my phone. “Yes, but check. That’s what it’s for.”

In her bed, snuggled under a blanket, my girl was sound asleep.

I eyed Lynx. “Just the identities? That’s it?”