Page 104 of This Reckless Home

“How much time?” Nox asks, and I know that his answer won’t be what we want to hear.

“A few weeks at best, you’ll need to be patient which I know is easier said than done,” Dwight answers, putting all his paperwork back in the file. “Any other questions?”

“My brother Justin, he’s living at Blossom’s and we have a kinship application in,” Ant states, and Dwight gives a single sharp nod.

“I know what’s at stake here. I’ll work as fast as I can. Anything else?” He looks around at us, and the question pours from my lips without my consent.

“Why hasn’t Blossom called us?”

His brows dip. “She’s recorded as a victim of crime, so any calls that are attempted either end will be blocked. So will any attempt at visitation.”

Something in me eases, loosens at knowing that she’s not forgotten us. That she’s not washed her hands of us. Though she still can’t reach us.

We thank Dwight, then three guards are coming into the room, cuffing us again. We manage a shared single look. One that says we’re still standing, no matter how Wilson fucking Devonshire is trying to bring us to our knees. We’re still here, and before long, he will be the one kneeling in front of us.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

“FAR FROM HOME (THE RAVEN)” BY SAM TINNESZ

ANATOLE

We’re moved to what is called a pod in general population, basically still individual cells, but there’s a common area with a TV and places to sit. There are a couple other guys milling around, but I ignore them and head straight to the phone on the wall.

I dial Jus’s mobile number, and he picks up on the second ring.

“Hello?”

“Jus, it’s me, Ant.”

A small sob echoes over the line that makes my chest ache. “Thank fuck! I’ve been so fucking worried, Ant. Are you okay? Are Nox and Steele okay? Where are you?”

All the questions come rushing out, and I have to clear my throat of the emotion that’s blocking it.

“We’re all okay, we’re at Middle River Regional, and they’ve put us together. Steele and Nox are right behind me.” I look over my shoulder to see them standing there, arms crossed and making sure no one interrupts my call. “How are you, Jus? Last night must have been scary.”

“It was fucking terrifying! But Miss. Blossom has been working to help you guys. Tina took all the others out for the day but said I could stay back if I didn’t pester Miss. Blossom.” I chuckle. He definitely pestered her. “Tina made that fried chicken again tonight, she knows it’s my favorite.”

I swallow again, licking my cracked lips. “How’s Blossom, Jus?”

He sighs. “She’s so fucking sad, Ant. Like, she tries to smile and be light for the young ones, but her eyes are always red like she’s crying.”

A band tightens around my chest. I just wish we were there to fucking hold her, tell her it’ll all work out somehow.

“You look after her, yeah? And tell her…” I have to be careful because these calls are recorded. “Tell her thank you. She’ll know why.”

“I will, Ant.” The sound of his inhale is loud. “You are coming back though, right?”

“Yes, we are coming back, Jus. I promise.”

He exhales. “Okay.”

“I need to go,” I tell him, that lump growing in my throat. “You be good, help Tina and Blossom and make sure not to give them shit. Okay?”

“I don’t give anyone shit, bro.” It’s such a bald faced lie that a bark of laughter falls from my lips. It echoes strongly in the room.

“And stop fucking cursing.”

“I will when you do, big bro,” he sasses back, and my smile hurts.