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“What the fuck, little dude? I was trying to help.”
I scowl at CJ until he sighs heavily. “Fine.”
Me and Dakota watch as CJ grumpily redresses, once again flashing his crusty underwear. Dakota lets loose a giggle.
“He shat his pants,” I whisper, earning more giggles from him.
Declan buries his face against my chest, but his body moves as he giggles too. He doesn’t know what he’s laughing about, but at least he’s cheered up enough to join in.
CJ looks us over, face marred with confusion, before heading back outside the tent. As soon as he’s gone, I nudge Dakota to get him to peer up at me.
“As soon as Sadie’s here, we’re going to leave,” I whisper. “She and I can take him. I’m going to have to carry Deck, but I will need you to run faster than you ever have. Can you do that, Kota?”
He nods, eyes wide with worry. “It’s dark and rainy.”
“It’s our only chance of escape.” I lean forward and rest my forehead against his. “We can do this.”
I pull away as soon as Sadie enters the tent. She glances over both boys and then peeks at me, a frown of bewilderment on her face.
“Dakota is cold. Can you get him warm and comfort him?” I ask, hoping to convey with just my eyes that I have a plan.
Her eyes flash with understanding. “Of course. Come here, Kota.”
CJ enters the tent once more. He gripes as he strips out of his wet clothes again. Dakota whispers to Sadie that CJ pooped his pants, which makes all four of us laugh at his expense.
“Deck,” I say, voice light. “You’re so heavy. Can you sit right here next to me?”
He protests, his whines quickly turning to tears. I shoot Sadie a panicked look.
“I have a secret to tell you,” Sadie says to Declan. “We don’t want poopy pants CJ to hear.”
“I didn’t shit my pants,” CJ calls out, scowling.
We all erupt in another fit of laughter. During the commotion, I manage to slide Declan to my left between me and Sadie. Clutching the bone tight in my grip, I listen to Stacey wail in pain while watching CJ attempt to get warm.
Stacey’s tent must be busy because I hear several panicked voices coming from it. I’m starting to think now or never. I wait until CJ’s back is to me and his breathing evens out, which feels like an eternity. Finally, I make my move.
“Cover their eyes,” I mouth to Sadie.
She nods and does as instructed. I prowl over to CJ, half the bone in my grip and the pointy half sticking out of my fist. Grabbing onto his shoulder, I pull him over onto his back. His eyes widen in surprise, but he doesn’t have time to react.
I slam the bone down into the softest part of his face.
His eyeball.
The squish of it makes me gag, but I’m invested now. Before he can holler, I punch him across the face. Hard. Like I punched Wild. One of his teeth cuts into my knuckle on impact, sending sharp pain shooting up my arm. Not giving him a chance to retaliate, I grab the lantern and smash the metal bottom against his face several times until it breaks, bathing us in darkness.
“Let’s go,” I hiss to Sadie.
We scramble out of the tent in a rush. My heart is in my throat and my ears are ringing. CJ is still alive and making sounds of distress. Hopefully, Stacey’s bellowing and the thunder will drown out the noise. Once we’re out of the tent, I expect to be tackled by Michael or Logan.
There’s no one around.
I stare longingly at the tents that house Dez and Ronan, but there’s no way I can save them both right now. I need to get the kids and Sadie out first. Then I can come back later and rescue them.
Dakota runs fast just like he promised, his hand firmly attached to Sadie’s. I dart after them, holding a crying Declan to my chest. He’s only three, but he’s chunky and heavy. I know my arms are going to be screaming in pain soon. Not that it’ll matter. I’ll carry him until my arms fall off and then I’ll force him to hang on while I carry him some more.
No one yells after us or shoots.
