Page 86 of When The Noise Stops

"I got you, Sunshine. He won't touch you again."

She let out a sob. The barrel dropped an inch. Then another. I took the pistol when she opened her hand, put it on the ground behind me, and kicked it under the grill.

The guy started to get up.

"Stay down."

He ignored me. I put my boot to his chest. He hit the ground.

Lila's legs went. I caught her before she hit the dirt. Her mouth was worse up close. Split lip. Blood on her teeth. Her eyes were glassy.

Maggie was in the doorway with Gabby pulled behind her.

I looked at her.

"Look at her fucking face."

"Knox—"

"Get Gabby inside and call the police."

"Knox—"

"Now."

A Harley roared out front.

Seconds later, Tiny came around the side of the house at a run. No shirt. Boots half-laced.

He took one look at Lila's face.

Then the guy.

He had murder in his eyes.

"Don't," I warned.

Tiny kept moving.

"Tiny," I called. He got closer.

"Tiny, please," Lila said.

He stopped.

"Call it in."

His chest heaved.

"Ronny called me. Said she was on the phone with Lila when some motherfucker came in her house."

"Call it in."

He pulled out his phone.

I sat Lila on the back step. It was ironic. Third bad night on the same goddamn step.

"I didn't mean to miss," she whispered.