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As I figured, I have no problems picking them up, but Lydia is another matter. She doesn’t want to leave, so I throw her over my shoulder and carry her out kicking and screaming. I didn’t tell her what’s going on, just that she had to leave with me. I didn’t want anyone at her work to overhear, just in case.
“Stop it,” I growl as I smack her ass.
Before we reach the SUV where the twins are waiting, I slide her down my body so I can look her in the eye.
“Colton has been the one attacking Sydney. He’s coming after you. I’m going to take you and the kids somewhere safe until we have a plan.”
“What?” The color drains from her face, and her hands spasm against my sides as she holds on tighter.
“You heard me. He’s behind it all. The tires, the stuffed rhino, everything.” I hate to tell her that her ex is this evil. At one point she loved this man, created a family with him. I look at her closely and see disappointment but not surprise in her eyes. “Did you know?” My hands flex on her shoulders.
“I suspected but didn’t want to believe it. I still don’t. This is—” She looks down, and I feel a teardrop hit my arm. I lift her chin and look deep into her eyes.
“You can’t control him. But tell me what made you suspect.”
“The machete used on her car, he had a couple just like that he brought back from a trip to Africa. And he was always asking me questions about her after she left South Africa.”
“Come on. We have to get going.” I need to get them settled at my house before I head out to meet Tucker. I called him back after I picked up the kids. He’s going to need help with getting Sydney and her daughter secured.
I take her hand and guide her to the SUV. When I lift her up into the passenger seat, I look into the back and see the kids. Micah is excited about driving with the lights and sirens on. Michelle is scared and trembling. I hate to scare her, but we need to hurry.
I get them set up at my house. Michelle goes berserk for Sully, and she and Micah cuddle with him on the floor while I show Lydia around my small place.
“It’s not much, but it will do for the night. Tomorrow we’ll figure out everything else. Okay?” I advance on her. She’s been quiet since we left the zoo. I lift her chin and lean down to kiss the tip of her nose. “I have to head back in and meet up with Tucker.”
“Can I go?” she asks, then looks at the kids. Indecision fills her eyes. “Maybe we should go home?”
“No. You’re staying here. I ordered pizza and paid for it. Relax with the kids, and I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Okay.” She moves over to the sofa and sits down.
I know all of this is weighing on her, and I can’t stop it. She’s going to have to understand that her and the kids’ safety is my main priority. It will always be that way.
* * *
On my drive back to Nashville, Tucker and I work out a plan. He’s got other law enforcement and private security friends involved. It’s decided that both women will go to work tomorrow and act like nothing is out of the ordinary. Sydney has evidence that can put away both Colton and his boss, Kant, who is the main player and ordered the attacks on her. She is setting up a trade with him at the zoo. The guys and I will be in hiding around the zoo to protect them. I contact Krystal next. She’ll be at the house in the morning to watch over the kids.
I make it to the dingy motel Tucker directed me to. I still can’t believe Sydney fled and thought she could handle Colton and Kant on her own. Jesus, if Lydia ever pulled something like this, I’d tan her ass.
After loading Sydney and Mari into my SUV, we make it to the safe house Tucker’s friend arranged. Sydney’s mom is here too. The little family is secure. The women make their way inside, while us guys stand guard outside for a bit, making sure all is safe. Tucker introduces me to his dad, who’s in town for a visit and helping out too. He was at Mari’s party yesterday, but I didn’t get to meet him.
“Lydia can’t believe Colton is a part of this. I hate that I’m going to have to send her to work tomorrow,” I growl. Yeah, I get why we’re going with this plan. We need to act like we’re not onto him. It’s the best way to make sure we apprehend him too. But I don’t like it.
Tucker unfolds a map of the zoo he got his hands on, and we go over the logistics. Sydney’s taken a leave of absence from work, not that Colton should know that detail. I’m to position myself at an exhibit near Sydney, which is too far from Lydia for my liking. I have to make sure Lydia remains in the vet clinic as much as possible. It’s the safest place for her.
“I can’t promise I won’t go off on Rorke for all he’s done.” Every one of my muscles lock at the thought of beating him. This man needs to get out of my girl’s life. “This has become personal for me.”
“I get that, man.” Tucker slaps me on the shoulder with a smirk on his face.
“No, you don’t. I’ve never felt like this. She doesn’t even have a clue,” I confess to the group what I have not admitted out loud to anyone else.
“Welcome to the Boom.” Wes laughs. He’s Tucker’s best friend and the president of the motorcycle club Tucker is in.
“I don’t know what that means.” I head inside so we can finalize the plan. The sooner we do, the sooner I can go home. I need to get back to Lydia and the kids.
* * *
It’s late by the time I get to my house. Neither Lydia nor the kids are in the living room. All is quiet and dark. I move through the house to the spare room across from mine. Lydia is lying in the middle of the bed with each kid at her side. They are asleep, and I just look at them for a moment.
