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Out of everyone here, JJ’s the closest to Leo. I reckon Harper’s the only reason he didn’t bunker down at the hospital until we heard news.
“He’s keeping busy. He’s over in the bar with Luca.”
Pressing a kiss to her forehead, I grab my coffee and head over.
As soon as I step inside, conversations cease, everyone thinking I’m here with news. Finishing off my coffee, I set the mug down and announce, “Still no change.” Their hopes for good news leave them deflated. “I’ve only returned to shower and check on Rayna. Where is she?”
“She’s around back with Holly and Tor,” Luca tells me.
“What’s the lowdown with the Dead Rats? Have any been spotted?”
Mason sighs. “No. We’ve been taking shifts, riding through town to search them out.”
“Okay. That’s good, at least. I’m gonna be heading back to the hospital, and I’m taking Luca with me. I want the rest of you keeping your eyes and ears open. Effie could still strike, and just because Leo’s in the hospital, doesn’t mean we sit around and do nothing.”
Myles leans back in his chair. “What about the Haywards wanting us to deal with her in the next six days?”
“That’s the last thing on my mind right now, but I’ll get Zach on tracking her movements until we make a decision.” I tell Luca, “I’ll check on Rayna, then we’ll head out.”
“I’ll be ready.”
I step outside and follow the sound of Rayna’s laughter. Turning the corner, I watch Holly and Victoria chase after her, then pretend to trip just before they’re about to catch her.
Holly loses her smile when she sees me. I know from the look on her face, she feels something for my son. Leo might not admit it, but there’s something going on between the two of them. I’m old, not blind.
“Any news?” she asks, but I shake my head.
“Grandpa, look!” I crouch down as Rayna runs over to me with a little pink bag. “Candy.”
“Don’t eat it all at once. You’ll be sick.”
“The twins stopped by the store and bought way too much,” Holly tells me.
I didn’t think the twins had it in them, but it’s sweet that they thought of her.
“And look, flowers.” She points to the ones threaded into her hair. No doubt Victoria’s doing.
I smile. “Very pretty.”
“Where’s Daddy?”
My mouth opens, but nothing comes out. I don’t like the thought of lying to her, but she’s too young to understand.
“He’ll be home soon, princess. You be good for Holly and Aunt Victoria, yeah?”
“Okay.”
Like any young child, she doesn’t dwell and skips off with her bag of sweets.
“I don’t want her eating them all in one go,” I warn Holly.
“I know, Mr. Jackson.”
I like the respect, but I hate it when people use my name so formally, especially around the club.
“Call me Cas.” To Victoria, I say, “Luca’s going with me to the hospital.”
She walks with me across the grass, and I take note of her bare feet. I’m surprised they’re not permanently stained with dirt.
