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“Yeah I had to tell him. He’s pretty busted up right now.”
“This is war,” Gage growled. “Who the hell’s behind this?”
“I can’t say with certainty, I need to talk to Antonio first, but the message is loud and clear.”
Silence fell upon them, suddenly shattered by a passing semi which rocked the vehicle.
“I’ll call Val,” Torin said, “and have him and some of the boys dispose of Makayla’s car before someone discovers it and calls the police. We don’t need interference.” He shook his head. “Then I want you to take Makayla home. I’ll be right behind you.”
“And what do I say?” Makayla sobbed. “How do I explain all this?”
“You don’t,” Torin retorted bluntly. “I’ll do the talking,” he said as he opened the door and got out. Cat’s out the bag and for the sake of everyone, I can only pray that blood’s thicker than water.”
“Meaning?”
“None of your family has to die.” He slammed the door.
~~~
When Makayla entered the front door of Hampton Manor with Torin and Gage behind, she fought her fear.
We’re all going to die…what have I done?
Gage, who must have sensed her distress, pulled her into the safety of his arms. She succumbed, fearing the worst.
Lisa, who was busy loading the dishwasher, her mind adrift with thoughts of wedding bells and Italy, heard Maestro barking, but ignored it. She found herself thinking about Torin. He was a mystery she couldn’t solve. She sighed. There was something about him, something she couldn’t put her finger on, yet it lingered, like a dread she couldn’t shake.
Hearing the signature creak of floorboards, she eased to the door and glanced to the foyer.
“Torin, you’re early,” she said, forcing a smile while drying her hands on a dishcloth. She instantly noticed that his face was dead serious. He met her eyes briefly, then dropped his head, feet planted squarely and behind him she saw Gage with Makayla in his arms.
Lisa cocked her head. She heard Makayla sob softly. She took a step forward with the floorboards creaking. Makayla turned to face her briefly, then turned back to Gage, but Lisa didn’t fail to notice her bloody nose and tear-streaked face.
“You’ve been crying,” Lisa blurted, “and you’re bleeding. What’s happened?” she asked just as Carson came bounding down the stairs.
Makayla burst in to tears.
“Where’s Donja?” Lisa asked.
Torin jerked up his head. “We need to talk,” he said bluntly.
“Donja!” Lisa cried out, pushing her way to the front door. Torin grabbed her and held her back. “She’s gone.”
“Gone?” Her legs felt suddenly weak; the dishcloth fell to the floor. She searched his face which was stolid. Something cold washed over her. “Gone where?”
Carson spun Makayla to view her face. “Baby, what happened…Jesus, you’re bleeding.”
“Please, could we all sit down,” Torin said.
Makayla turned back to Gage, silent. Carson, seeing Lisa’s fear, pulled her into his arms.
“Carson,” Lisa whispered, “somethings—”
“Let’s all sit down,” Torin said forcefully.
They made their way in silence to the living room. Lisa sat down wringing her hands as Makayla and Gage took a seat, side by side.
“Makayla, where is Donja?” Lisa snapped.
