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“Yes, we’re safe. Thank you.” We were. Gerard isn’t bothered by us as he was living in the big house with Judy. Why worry about his soon-to-be ex? He is dragging out the divorce, hoping I’d have to drop the settlement. But Gerard doesn’t know how much I paid upfront for Cartman. Cartman had his number and was fucking with him back. There are multiple complaints now about how Gerard was playing games.”

“Don’t worry about the rest of today. Is it okay if Chill takes you home?” Inglorious asked, disturbing me.

My instant reaction was to refuse. “Inglorious, I can drive.”

“No, honestly, Meadow, I’d prefer Chill to escort you. That way, we know you arrived safe and sound. Leave the mess; I’ll have a prospect clean this up. Let Chill drive, honey, please?” Inglorious insisted.

I looked between them before agreeing. Inglorious had his jaw set, which said he wasn’t going to budge. A murderous look grew in Chill’s eyes.

“Okay,” I whispered and climbed to my feet. There was movement behind me, and Nanci appeared.

“Come on, let’s wash your face,” Nanci suggested and disappeared with me. She took me to her private bathroom and cleaned me up. The whole time she didn’t say anything, just offered silent support.

“Need anything else?” she asked.

“No, thank you. I’ll make the time up.”

“You will not!” Nanci was almost indignant.

“I can’t lose the money,” I stated without pride. Right now, my pride was rock-bottom in the gutter.

“Nope, not buying that. You don’t have to make up the hours. Insist, Meadow, and there’ll be another falling out, me and you this time. Sabre frightened you, and you reacted badly. A few hours won’t hurt. Go home and hug those kiddos of yours.”

“Nanci—”

“Zip it, Meadow. But if you ever need a sympathetic ear, I’m here,” Nanci said. She moved to hug me and then stepped back.

“Thanks.”

“Come on. Chill will drive you home. A prospect will bring your car later tonight.”

“Okay.”

I followed her to the rec room. There were staring eyes, but I wasn’t threatened. Instead, I felt their worry and concern. I couldn’t look them in the eye and hurried through the room. Boots stomped behind me as I shoved out of the doors.

“This way, we’ll take a club SUV,” Chill said.

I followed him silently. Chill walked in front so I could keep him in sight. He beeped a key, and the lights flashed.

“Wanna sit in the back?” he asked gruffly.

“I’m good,” I replied, dragging my tattered dignity together. I didn’t need mollycoddling.

“Suit yourself,” Chill responded and opened my door for me. He didn’t wait to shut it, seemingly aware that having him tower over me wasn’t a great idea. I slid in, and Chill climbed into the driver’s side.

“Address,” he said as he started the engine and booted up the Sat Nav. I gave it to him, and he pulled off as soon as my seatbelt locked.

We didn’t talk the whole way there. Chill, let me close my eyes and compose myself. I appreciated it.

“Didn’t know you lived in Spearfish,” Chill stated as he turned into my area. I opened my eyes.

“I lived in Rapid City until recently. Circumstances changed.”

“The divorce?”

“Oh, we’re not divorced yet. He’s trying to… never mind, it’s not your problem.”

Chill parked outside the house with a frown on his face. “He’s paying for the kids at least, right?”