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“Cops aren’t going to be launching an investigation into him,” Charles says, groaning as Fletcher peels away the temporary bandage he applied at the scene. “Scumbags like that, they ought to give you a medal.”
“I’m not taking any chances,” Fletcher replies. “I’m wrecking both our cars.”
“Better reimburse me,” Charles says, laughing gruffly.
Fletcher laughs just as darkly. “I think a bonus is in order, too.”
“Amen.”
Fletcher glances up at me with a tight look of emotion. His eyes are filled with purpose. I get the sense he wants to keep staring at me, just like I want to keep staring at him. If Charles wasn’t here, I know I’d be in Fletcher’s arms right now. He’d hold me tightly, and I’d press myself against him, feeling his powerful heartbeat and profound sense of protection and support.
Loki clambers up onto my chest, licking my cheek. I’m not sure why, but then I realize I’m crying. It feels like a delayed response. With the shock gone, I’m able to fully experience the terror and the doubt, knowing it all could’ve been taken away.
“It’s okay, boy,” I whisper. “I’m okay.”
Loki clearly doesn’t believe me. He whines and licks me as if he wants to take away some of the pain.
CHAPTERTWENTY
Fletcher
I stand at my apartment window, looking out on the east side of the city, the skyline, and the sea. It’s been several hours since the craziness in the woods. The apartment has two bedrooms. Charles is currently recovering in one, dosed up on strong meds, with an IV in. He was lucky. The bullet hit his side but went straight through, and the second hit his leg and might give him some trouble, but nothing that time can’t fix.
Behind me, I can hear Loki chowing down on his food. I’ve fed him several small portions so he doesn’t get overwhelmed. In the reflection of the window, I can also see my woman. She’s changed into the simple T-shirt and sweatpants I gave her, a couple sizes too big.
Holding the phone to my ear, it rings a couple more times before James answers. “Dad?”
“Evening, son,” I say.
“You painting the town red tonight or something? It’s almost midnight.”
I try to make my voice sound lighthearted, as though none of this has affected me. “Something like that,” I reply. “I won’t be home tonight.”
“You’re being very mysterious,” he says, laughing. “Are you with a lady?”
I grit my teeth and repress a sigh. Life would be far better if this weren’t so damn complicated. “Something like that.”
“Is that your new catchphrase?”
I try to laugh, but it comes out sounding so fake. “Maybe it is. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know.”
“Okay, uh, cool. If youarewith a lady, I hope I can meet her. It’s not like you to date. She must be pretty special if you’re making an exception.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I say vaguely. “Love you, James.”
“Love you too, Dad.”
I hang up the phone and then join Samantha in the seating area. Loki finishes his food and leaps up into my lap. I gently stroke my hand over his body, emotion pounding into me when I feel his warmth, anxiety, and fear like he’s wondering if he’ll have to return to that place.
“The news stories have started,” Samantha whispers, looking shell-shocked. She’s had a shower, her hair tied up, looking beautiful despite the chaos. She nods to the laptop on the coffee table. “Unknown Vigilante Frees Captive Dogs.Three Men Tied Up–One Injured in War on Dog Farm…There are more.”
I nod. “So the man didn’t die, then.”
“That’s good, right?” Samantha looks at me with so much pain in her eyes. She didn’t deserve any of this.
“It’s good because the police won’t be looking for a killer. It’s bad because any man who tries to hurt you deserves to be in the fucking ground.” I lower my intensity when Loki whines. “Sorry, boy,” I whisper, stroking him under the chin.
“Will the men talk to the cops? Describe us?”
