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15
I’m startled awake as my phone blares, and someone is pounding on the Doc’s door. Dogs are going nuts, and Ciara is screaming. Pulling my gun from under my pillow, I look at a startled Toney.
“Answer my phone and get Ciara. Come back in here and lock yourself in the bathroom. Take Uzo and Sangria with you.”
I head through the door and downstairs, my gun in front of me with Bailey on my heels. Coming off the steps, I can see the front door. Flicking on the porch light, I spot a kutte that matches mine. Swinging open the door, I grab my best friend and slam him against it.
“What the fuck were you thinking? Were you trying to get shot? Ciara is losing her mind!”
“Saint, it’s your mom.” Monroe’s voice trembles as he grabs my wrists.
I let go. “What happened?”
“Y-you gotta come to the clubhouse. It-it’s bad.” His eyes lift, and I can see the glassy reflection of unshed tears.
“Fuck. I need to get dressed. I don’t even know what it is, but if your fucking crying, we need to lock it up. Get everyone to the fucking compound. Go grab mine and the kid's shit. At least two weeks. You know the combo for the safe.” I spy his bike. “Call Finn to grab one of the vans to come to get it all. I’ll get the kid and me there with the Doc.” I rub my head. “Did it happen at the clubhouse?”
Monroe nods. “At church…The girls are on their way.”
“I want everyone removed from the clubhouse. Only us, the girls, and Sully. Del needs to be on those cameras like yesterday. I’ll see you in a few.”
With a nod, he lets me go back to my girl and put on jeans as I’m as naked as the day I was born. Back up the stairs and into the bedroom, I grab my jeans from beside the bed, pulling them on.
“Doc, you can come out. It’s just me.” I say as I knock lightly on the door.
Hearing the lock disengage, I grasp the knob letting myself inside, seeing the Doc’s back as she pulls Ciara up out of her massive bathtub. I see the 12-gage pump-action shotgun in her hand as she looks at me.
I walk over to the tub, taking Ciara and pulling Toney into me. “It’s okay, Doc. It was just Monroe.” I let out a sigh before kissing the top of her head and my little girl's cheek. “I need you to do something for me without arguing.” Toney steps back from me and pulls a bag from the tub. “I’ve got an apartment at the compound. You’re free to make it a place you can stay too. You’re going to need at least two weeks of stuff. I’ve got a few people doing some shopping. Is there anything certain you want us to have? I’m locking it down. I’ll make sure you can get back and forth to work, but you won’t be alone. Do you understand?”
Her lip disappears between her teeth. “We should probably have a talk.” Shrugging the bag onto her shoulder, she adjusts it against the black tank top she’s got on. Seems like me. She shoved herself into some jeans.
“Okay. Let me get her on the couch while you grab her dress. I can get her a drink.” I lift the sleepy girl in my arms.
“I have stuff in the bag. Overalls, sneakers, incidentals. We can wrap her in my sherpa throw downstairs. I’ll take the dogs and follow you in my JEEP.”
“Thank you.”
I’m not even sure why I’m thanking her. Maybe because she isn’t fighting with me. Maybe because my world is about to crumble around me, and I have no idea how to handle it.
I get Ciara loaded into Toney’s jeep and shut the door before I open the door for the Doc. “Just follow me. I'll stay close.” I lay my head against hers. “I’m so fucking sorry.”
She cradles my head against her, running her hand into my hair. “I knew this was a possibility. I just didn’t think it would be tonight.”
“We never do, Darlin’. Ains will be waiting outside the clubhouse to take Ciara and you to the apartment.” I kiss her head again. “Stay close.”
I hop on my bike, and we’re headed down the road in no time. Not even five minutes into the ride do I find my best friend beside me. With a nod, he falls back behind my girls.
Guys are milling about in the parking lot beside the clubhouse when we pull up. I take off my helmet, looking at Monroe. “I thought I said for everyone to fuck off.” Before I can say anything else, I’m being pulled into a tight hug by Ainsley.
“I’m so sorry, Saint.” She’s been crying.
“It’s okay, babe. Take my girls back to my place. Finn should be here soon with my shit. Can you make sure everyone has enough supplies for the next two weeks and, if not, take down what we need?”
“I’ve got you.” She pats me, walking over to Toney.
“I’ll see you soon, Darlin’.” I turn, heading for the clubhouse. Before going through the gaping open door, I feel a small hand slip into mine. “You don’t need to see this, Doc.”
A short laugh erupts out of her, making a few heads turn. “Sorry.” Her free hand points to her chest. “Surgeon, if there’s anything I can-”
“Saint! She’s breathing!” I hear Em and am grabbed faster than I can process the words she’s spitting.
Breathing? How? Someone was very fucking sloppy. Someone is going to die a very slow fucking death. I let go of everyone and take off at a dead run. Nothing, and I mean nothing, prepared me for what I’m seeing at this moment. Blood is everywhere, her clothes are in tatters, and the right side of her face is… Gone. She may be a bitch and a whore, but she’s also the only parent I have. I climb onto the table, trying to better look at her.
“Delia!”
I feel the Doc’s soft hand pulling me back. I hesitate but let her get to work.
“I need towels, water, and some room to work if you don’t plan to call nine fucking one-one.” She gets her face down into my mother’s, listening for something. “Get my bag from Ainsley! Saint, go see our girl. She needs you. There is nothing you can do here.”
I grab Monroe by his shirt. “She doesn't get out of your fucking sight. If someone tries to get between you, put a fucking bullet between their eyes. Someone better find me, Delia.” I roar as Em, and a few others step in to help my girl.”
