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“I’m so sorry, Mr. Finch. Sandy was on her way over, but a power line came down. Because of the electricity, they’re not letting anyone through. I’m trying to find someone else to send.” I hung up before she could continue.

“What was that?” Bash asked, concern on his face.

“I have to go check on my mom. A power line went down, and the aid can’t get through. She’s home alone.”

“Alright. Let me grab Bull. We can take my truck.” To my surprise, Bull, Match, and Guard all volunteered to go.

We took two separate cars and drove in strained silence. I had tried calling the house, but the phones were dead, and Mom wasn’t answering her cell. And still no word from Lilah. What was usually a fifteen-minute drive took thirty, with visibility next to zero and tires slipping even with four-wheel drive.

My anxiety was only growing the longer it took, and when we turned onto Mom’s street, the stretch of darkness hit me like an ominous sign. Power was down in the whole area, making the storm and dark skies even more oppressive.

One thing at a time. The tracker I had put on Lilah’s car said she was at home. Once I made sure Mom was okay, I would pay my girl a visit. Tan her ass for worrying me so much.

That thought gave me comfort because the idea that she wasn’t okay, that this was more than a dead cell phone battery or ringer on silent, was not an option to me. She had to be alright. And if she wasn’t…nothing and nobody would be able to stop me. If a single hair was harmed on my Angel’s head, there would be no escaping my wrath.

Chapter 12

Scythe

Walking into the house, there were no immediate signs of distress.

“Mom? It’s Eliot. Let me know which room you’re in!” I yelled out.

I didn’t want to startle her. It was better to let her know someone was in here and give her the opportunity to come out. Bull and Guard flanked me, handing me a flashlight as they powered theirs on.

“Want me to check the generator?” Match asked.

“Yeah. It’s in the shed out back. Come get me if you’re having any issues booting it up.” Match nodded and slipped out the front door. The rest of us all took different paths to search the first floor of the house. Bull headed for the garage as I made my way to the kitchen, where I found the first signs of something awry.

The kitchen island was covered with ingredients, the makings of dinner looking half done. Mom’s famous eggplant parm was left, slices soaking in the egg, the batter dislodged and floating to the surface. Flour, breadcrumbs, and eggs littered the area, tomatoes and onion left chopped and sitting in their own juices.

Mom wasn’t exactly known for her cleanliness in the kitchen, but this was something different…Was this where she was when the power went out? Guard popped his head in, eyeing the scene in front of me with a frown.

“Some banging coming from upstairs.” He held the door open for me as I swiftly walked past him, taking the steps two at a time. The second-floor landing was a mess. Every door was open. It looked like someone had made their way through each room, pulling out every item that was within reach. Towels and linens covered the hallway floor, and there was a small glow coming from Mom’s room.

Thuds and muttered words were audible. With Guard by my side, we both approached the master bedroom. The door was ajar, and from the hallway, I could see what appeared to be every suitcase she owned, pulled out and strewn across the room. There was one open on the bed, another on the bench, and two more on the floor. Items had been thrown in each in no particular order—everything from clothing to kitchen utensils.

A large flashlight was in the center of the room, balancing against a book so the beam illuminated the bed and bathroom area. Stepping into the room, I took stock of the situation, a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Whatever Mom was up to, she was clearly disoriented. I needed to find her before she got even more worked up. Thankfully, at that moment, she appeared, rushing out of the ensuite bathroom with a first aid kit and cleaning supplies. Seeing us in her room, my mother froze, dropping everything she had in her hands.

“Mom…” I said. But her eyes were on Guard. Rushing over to him, she grabbed his cut.

“Guard! Oh, thank god you’re here. You have to help us. He found us! A car kept driving by, over and over. I tried to tell myself it was nothing, but then the lights went out, and I just knew. It has to be him! We have to go. We have to get Eliot and get out of here.” Her words were rushed, her agitation and distress evident.

“We’re here now, Beth. Got brothers downstairs and outside. No one is getting near you,” Guard assured her. His words were strong and confident. Something in Mom wilted a bit as she processed what he was saying. Trusting him, her gaze turned to me, confusion still marring her expression.

“Mom, it’s me, Eliot. I’m right here. You’re safe.”

“No. He’s at the clubhouse with Bash. And that car…It kept driving by. At least four times before the power was cut.” She looked around wildly before pacing between us and the bed.

“The car drove by when I was in the garden, then again when I was making dinner. Right before the lights went out, it was there again, parked just down the street. I knew I just had to pack up and go. It’s not safe here,” she said. Her expression was frantic.

“Mom. There’s a big storm outside. That’s why the lights are off. Match is outside turning the generator on now,” I told her, keeping my voice calm and not making any sudden movements. Between the darkness and her illness, I wasn’t sure if she recognized me. A whirring sound echoed throughout the house right before the lights switched back on. All of us blinked comically as we adjusted to the change. Turning my flashlight off, I looked up just in time to see everything register on Mom’s face.

“Oh, no. Oh, dear,” she said, her hands covering her mouth as she looked around the room.

“I’ve made such a mess. And dragged you all out in this storm! I’m so sorry!” Her hands trembled as her cheeks flushed.

“C’mon, Beth. None of that. This is what family does. Now, I saw some of your peanut butter cookies in the kitchen. Mind if I sneak a few of those? I’ll take care of the mess while I’m down there.” The last sentence was aimed at me.