“We can go ahead and get started,” Rage said.
“They were attacked at least four-to-five days ago. The evidence has been sitting all this time, I’m sure another day or two won’t hurt while this female recovers and Rance prepares to go with us,” Frenzy said. “Anybody disagree?”
“I want to go,” Steve said.
“Who are you?” Savage asked.
“I’m a member of that Pride you’re talking about. I was charged with getting the Alpha’s Reigna here safely. I’ve done that. I want to go back and see for myself what’s left.”
“It’s not a bad idea. You can help us understand where everything was, and help identify anyone we find.”
Steve nodded. His gaze drifted over to Jack. “Alpha, I’d like to accompany those going to Missouri.”
“Understood,” Jack said.
~~~
Niko stepped out onto the patio and looked around.
“Niko!” Griffin yelled, waving from the splash pad.
“Hey, boy! I was looking for you, thought you were in the pool!”
“Mom let me play on the splash pad now,” he said, as he ran over to Niko.
Niko knelt down and smiled at Griffin. “You alright?”
“Yeah. Reigna Gwen fell down. Did you know that?” Griffin asked.
“I did. But they’re taking care of her. She’s going to be okay.”
“Are you sure?” Griffin asked.
“As sure as I can be,” Niko answered truthfully.
“Are we going to stay here even if she’s really sick?” Griffin asked.
“You are. And you’re safe, and your mom is safe and I don’t want you to worry about it. You know why?”
“Why?” Griffin asked, grinning at Niko.
“Because I promised you’d both be okay, and you will be. I’ll make sure. I came out here to make sure you’re okay the minute I heard about your Reigna.”
“What took you so long?” Griffin asked.
“What? I came as soon as I heard!”
“It happened a while ago,” Griffin said.
“I was taking a nap! I gotta go to work tonight! And I still came out here to look for you when I heard.”
Griffin grinned. “Want to come play?”
“On the splash pad?” Niko asked.
“Yes, with me!”
“I would really, really, really like that!” Niko said, grabbing him up and tickling him as he carried him toward the splash pad.
