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Magic shot me a surprised look and opened his mouth to argue.
“You ain’t got time. Go give Bunny the money and get her the fuck out of here,” I ordered, and Magic snickered before lumbering away. I gazed at the bar, my heart breaking. This was more than my home. Magic’s bar had been my salvation. Sadly, I watched as the convoy of cars left to drive down the mountain. No, I’d made the right decision. I’d leave with Magic.
Minutes ticked past as Magic sat on his motorbike, ready to ride with me behind him. He cocked his head, and his face screwed up. We could hear the fire now, which terrified me, but Magic was calm, so I trusted him.
“Fire’s changed direction, Alice. I can feel the wind. It’s shifted. Look there!” Magic said, and we leapt off the bike as a firefighting team headed towards us. Despite their dirty faces and filthy clothes, I recognised them. It was Hellfire. Chance looked beaten, and I knew something was wrong. Magic stopped running as his eyes checked them over.
“Fuck,” he said and rubbed his head.
“Magic?” I asked.
“Pyro’s not there,” Magic whispered.
My glance frantically searched the team, and I realised Magic was right. Pyro was missing. Diesel was heartbroken, and I took a bottle and gave it to him as he got closer. Poor Bunny.
“Thanks, babe,” he muttered.
“Sit down, Diesel. Magic’s recalling the others who left.” I handed Diesel a sandwich, and he tore into it greedily. I grabbed another package and shoved it at him before racing around to feed and water the other members of Hellfire. Worry was etched clearly across their faces for Pyro. But I knew Diesel and Pyro were close, so I stayed nearby, offering silent comfort. Twice, Diesel shot me a grateful look, and I sent back a reassuring smile.
When Bunny returned, she planted herself firmly next to Diesel. Chance was itching to return to searching, I could see it, but he needed to wait for approval. The missing boy’s parents bitched at people until Bunny blew up, and they shut up. I kept busy making more food packages and adding water bottles. Finally, I saw Chance and Hellfire standing to move out to look for their brother. Quickly, I shoved parcels at them, and Diesel offered a weak wink.
I watched, hugging Bunny, as they moved out. She clung to me, asking me to tell her Pyro would return. Deep in my heart, I believed Pyro would, and I hoped Bunny could hear that in my voice.
I nearly cried with her when Big Al bellowed Pyro and Logan had been found alive. And I disappeared for a cry when Hellfire crested the hill carrying Pyro, and Diesel held Logan in his arms.
???
A week later, I was serving and froze when Drake raised his voice.
“Shut up!” Drake roared. “Bunny, turn the TV up.”
I turned and saw the national news on and clicked the control. Silence fell as we watched Spearfish scrolling across the newsfeed. A body had been discovered six days ago and was confirmed an open murder. The victim was identified as Linus Spoke, who the SPD now revealed had been a suspect in the disappearance of Janet Revers. A reporter announced the police refused to clarify whether Linus was one of the vigilante killers, Justice’s victims. The woman continued to report that a video of Linus Spoke’s confession had been uploaded.
Bunny paled so quickly I thought she’d faint. Shotgun and Magic shoved her into the kitchen, and I followed with Diesel on my heels. I could feel the agitation spilling from Diesel. We both entered and found Bunny a mess of emotions.
“We need to get her somewhere safe!” I exclaimed as I rubbed Bunny’s back.
Bunny was so panic-stricken she was gasping for air.
“Bunny’s fine here,” Diesel rumbled.
Annoyed, I spun on him. “Is she?” I snapped.
“Alice, they put Janet Revers’ picture up. Janet is nothing like Bunny. No one will link them together!” Diesel retorted.
Fuck that! Those were fighting words, as was the tone of voice Diesel used.
“Diesel, how many of those patrons tonight are regular customers? Half of these assholes don’t even ride a fucking bike. The bar’s hot because of the fire and rescue of Logan. I don’t recognise most of them, and it takes one asshole to work out who Bunny is, and the shit hits the fan!” I whisper-shrieked at Diesel.
“You’re panicking her!” Diesel accused.
Oh, Diesel didn’t accuse me of that! Temper flaring, I went toe to toe with him, to everyone’s surprise. They were too used to quiet, fade into the background Alice, and I saw Magic eyeing me warily. Magic knew my act in the bar was just that, an act.I’d blossomed in eleven years, but not to the point of drawing attention to myself.
“Bunny should be terrified. She needs to be looked after and safe with her picture plastered all over the media,” I fired at Diesel. I caught Bunny glancing at Shotgun as I squared up to Diesel.
“Let them two fight it out. Now, girl, Pyro’s on his way. He’ll stay upstairs and hobble down to the bar when you are in it. Magic will watch your back during the day, and some of Hellfire will be stationed here permanently. We’re taking twelve-hour shifts. Nothing’s gonna change. You’ve changed your image so much you’re not identifiable as Janet Revers,” Shotgun said to Bunny, ignoring Diesel and me.
“Don’t ignore me!” Diesel growled low in his throat, re-capturing my attention.
