Page 56 of Razor

She brushes a tear away, and I move swiftly, wrapping my arms around her as I hold her close, whispering, “I don’t rate the chances of the villains, Lou. You know the guys are the fiercest warriors. They are trained for this. They won’t let you down.”

“But what if they’re too late? It’s a possibility.”

I can’t argue with her there, and only the sound of the door opening distracts my attention from the usually hard-assed woman who is in pieces right now.

It doesn’t get any easier as Ashton and Jennifer head inside, searching for Lou, their eyes stricken with grief. I swear my heart plummets as I fear the worst and Ashton’s usually serene face is shrouded in turmoil.

“There you are, honey. We figured you could use some company.”

Jennifer is pale, her eyes dead, cold, vacant.

I am surplus to requirements here and in the way and say gently, “If you need me to stay, I will. If you want your space, I’ll leave you to it.”

Ashton rubs a tear away, and her smile falters. “Thanks, honey. It’s your decision. We’re shit company right now though.”

“Have you heard anything?”

Lou directs her question to Ashton, who is the most likely source of information.

“Not yet, but I have every faith in the guys.”

Jennifer says nothing, tears rolling down her face as she stares into the distance, and Ashton and Lou share a look, which I take as my cue to leave.

“You know where I am.”

They nod, too worried for conversation, and as I leave them to wait together, my heart thumps in fear of any potential bad news. I have never seen the women so destroyed, and I’m nervous for the outcome of this mission. I have every faith in the guys, but shit has a habit of becoming very real in life, and I pray this is not one of those times.

I attempt to distract myself and head to my small room. Razor’s condo is bigger than mine, but I love the pretty space that gives me the luxury of privacy.

When I head inside, the subject of family is weighing heavily on me, and I search for the untraceable phone that I have used only twice so far. I use it sparingly just in case; I would hate anything to happen to burst my bubble.

Ryder assured me the phone was clean, but I know Santiago and wouldn’t put anything past his ability to track me down.

He answers almost immediately.

“Josie.”

His voice is low, anxious, and my heart shifts.

“Dad.”

“Are you okay?”

“Of course.”

“You don’t sound okay.”

“I just wanted to hear your voice.”

“I miss you.”

Simple words that mean a lot, and I don’t attempt to wipe away the tears that drift down my face.

“Have you heard from my brothers?”

“Not enough.”

His low chuckle reassures me that they are okay.