Page 20 of Nyx

"We have one on the front door and one in the back at all times," Oracle explains. "When we have more than two on the property, we'll have those additional members making patrols."

I feel Recon join us, but just like everyone else in the group, I keep our eyes on Oracle.

"It's usually very quiet around here, but every once in a while we have some idiot who thinks he can show up and demand access to his ex," Oracle says. "The women are always urged to stay inside, especially when there's a commotion on the front lawn, but they're not prisoners. We can't lock them in the house, and we can't make them stay if they decide to leave."

I pull in a deep breath, knowing just how easily some women go back to their abusers with just the whispered promise of things being different. My mother did it often.

"If someone shows up and makes a scene, our first job is to make sure it isn't a distraction. The man in the front handles the front, and the same for the man in the back," Oracle explains. "I don't want any part of the house to be left unguarded. Calm the visitor down, urge them to leave, and if they don't, let your partner know and they'll call the police."

"And if they brandish a weapon?" Holler asks.

"Put them down," Oracle says without hesitation. "I'd urge you to injure, not kill, but use your discretion. Keep in mind that there are women and children inside who are more than likely witnessing everything you and the visitor do. Safety first, but the last thing we want is a child seeing their father killed. That shit'll eat them alive."

Oracle's eyes meet mine, but I don't feel any kind of way about it. He knows what I'm capable of. Mentioning the kids will make me pause a little longer before making that decision, because I'd never want those kinds of memories to haunt a child because of my choices.

"Any questions?" Oracle asks.

We all shake our heads.

"Mischief and Recon, you're patrolling today. Nyx, you’re on the front. Holler on the back. Meet with last night's guys, get a report, and get to work."

I move toward the front door, dipping my head at Legacy as I approach.

"Calm night," he says. "Kincaid told me to give you this."

I take the device he offers and place the earpiece in my ear. It's tiny and very discreet.

"Anything I should be made aware of?" I ask, wanting to know anything and everything that will make my shift go smoother.

"The little boy inside has still been having nightmares," he says. "He cried and screamed all night. It's fucking heartbreaking to hear."

I pull in another ragged breath, trying not to let my mind carry me back to all the times I woke as a child with tears pouring from my eyes. Those tears stopped the night I killed my father and haven't been back. It only justified my reasoning that I'm having to work through therapy for now.

"Has to be hard for the others in the house," I mutter, ignoring the look of surprise on Legacy’s face for offering something up when I haven't been prompted.

"I think they all take it in stride," he says after he gets over his shock. "Thankfully, school is out for the summer, so both kids can grab a little nap if they need it. No one on the log for visitation today, but Annie heads out to work in about twenty minutes."

"She catches a ride with someone?"

He nods. "A girl from work swings by to grab her. She gets back around six. Overnight will be here at seven to relieve you."

"Thanks, man," I tell him, taking up my position near the front door when he steps away.

"I know it's your first shift. Max is always on comms if you need him or have questions."

I dip my head in understanding.

"Have a good day," I say, seeing him pause as he walks away.

People haven't treated me differently, but apparently, some parts of my reputation traveled from Tennessee without my realizing it.

I keep my eyes moving, paying very little attention to Recon and Mischief as they make their rounds.

I shift my weight over and over as the hours go by, but I never let my mind wander. I know how important this assignment is, even if Oracle hadn't reiterated it on the drive over.

The shift goes by without issue, and as much as a little action would feed parts of me deep inside, I know how traumatizing it can be for the women and children inside to witness it. I know there will come a time when I'm put in a situation like that, but I'm just glad today was uneventful, and I hope my next shift is the same way.

Chapter 6