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The ride back to the apartment is quiet. I don’t have any strength to talk, and Rodberg is kind enough to let me just sit with my own thoughts—of which I have many.
The idea that Cain had to be swept into hiding eats at me.
He would hate that.
He would despise having to leave me behind.
But I have seen firsthand how lethal Trap can be, and if he is on the warpath, then I need him to be safe from that asshole.
If that means I have to spend some time without Cain while they hunt Trap down for it to be safe for Cain and me in the end—then I am willing to do that.
I want Cain protected.
We pull up at the apartments, and Rodberg walks around to my side of the van and then helps me out. I can’t spot any of his guards in the parking lot, but I know they’re here—watching from the shadows. We make our way to the elevator and up to my apartment, still in silence as I unlock the door.
“I’m gonna have to do a quick sweep before you go in, Makaylie. Wait here,” Rodberg states, placing his hand across my chest.
Letting out an annoyed huff, I nod, stepping back to allow him to enter. He pulls out his gun and runs into the apartment. My shoulders sink as I wrap my arms around my chest, more for my own comfort than anything, as he moves about, room to room. My eyes dart up and down the hallway to ensure no one unexpectedly tries to make a grand entrance.
The coast is clear.
Rodberg pops his head around the door with a warm smile. “You’re all good.”
Letting out a heavy exhale, I walk inside my apartment, my eyes instantly falling onto Joey’s handbag.
“I love you, Makaylie,” Joey murmurs as tears fill her eyes and they fall freely down my cheeks. I glance at Trap and lunge forward, pulling on his arm. He pushes me away harshly, and I fall back hard to the floor. The concrete beneath my ass is so cold it sends a chill right through me, my hand breaking from Joey’s. I reach up to grab her again as she looks me in the eyes with a weak smile.
“No, no, no. No. No—”
BANG!
My entire body jerks, the blast of the gun so loud and vivid in my memory that tears flood my eyes, remembering Joey’s last moments all over again. The pain hits me like a typhoon. I reach out, steadying myself on the wall as I try to control my breathing.
Rodberg is by my side instantly, his hand soothing up and down my back. “Makaylie? You okay?” he asks, his eyes wandering up and down, assessing every inch of me.
Nodding, I swipe my tears away and just breathe. “Seeing Joey’s things… all her stuff… it’s just…” I pause, not being able to find the right words.
Rodberg nods in understanding. “I know, and I am so sorry I couldn’t help her in time. Makaylie, you’re white as a sheet. You need to rest. Put your feet up on the sofa, and I’ll make you something to eat.”
“I couldn’t possibly eat.” My stomach churns at the thought.
“Well, sit down anyway, and I’ll get you something soothing to drink. Either way, you need to rest right now… and we all know if I don’t take care of you, Cain will probably shoot me.”
A slow smile crosses my face, and I nod, moving to the sofa. I sink into the soft cushions, leaning back, staring at the white wall, not knowing what my next move will be. All I know is that someone must tell Joey’s family what happened to her.
And that is not something I am looking forward to.
Her death—it’s on me.
If I hadn’t met Cain, Joey would still be alive.
Glancing at the opening to look into the kitchen, I spot Rodberg making tea. “Do I still call you Rodberg, or do I have to call you… what was it? Rodberry, now?” I call out.
He glances up, looking at me over the dividing counter, and weakly smiles. “You can call me whatever you like, cutie pie. Whatever you’re comfortable with.”
Exhaling, I nod. “I need to tell Joey’s family what happened to her. Am I allowed to call them?” I ask.
Rodberg rubs the back of his neck uncomfortably. “They can’t know anything about what happened, Makaylie. Obviously, they need to know Joey has passed, but I’ve been told to tell you that the cover story the Feds are going with is that Joey was killed in a carjacking gone wrong. That the guy who shot her fled on foot when she tried to fight back. The cops tried to find the perp, but he is a ghost in the wind, with no hard evidence on who he is.”
