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“You sure Jordan’s been taken care of, Wylde?” Apple looked up at him like he could fix anything.
“I am. The information I gave the police, combined with the security footage from the school, should be enough to put her away for a long time. Roman’s right. She’s a pretty good hacker. Good enough she hid from me. For a while at least. Raven said he’s putting some bugs in important ears to make sure she gets held without bail, but given the results of her actions, I don’t think that will be a problem.”
Apple nodded her head slightly. “Good. That’s good.”
Lemon scowled. “How the fuck did she do all this anyway? Did she have anything to do with the cell towers fucking up?”
“Lemon…”
“She does it on purpose,” Wylde said and chuckled. “I like her style.” Lemon snorted. “But to answer your question, she was able to take down the cell towers briefly. Just long enough to allow Leo to get a head start on the police and to prevent information from getting to the right people. I haven’t looked in to how she did that, but she has some skill with the computer.” He shrugged. “Guess she really was after my Titan GT77. Don’t really care at this point as long as the cops have her. School security camera caught her giving him a Magnum. Which was found on him. May be hard to prove it was that exact gun, but it’s pretty compelling.”
“Fuck.” Lemon looked disgruntled. “Really wanted a shot at that bitch.”
“All right, Lemon. That’s enough. Take your sister and do whatever the two of you do when you need to destress.”
“Can I hang out with Deacon?” Apple looked up at me. I could still see the terror in her eyes and knew she needed to feel safe. Deacon could give that to her. “I promise I won’t do anything.”
With a sigh, I nodded. “Yes, Apple. I think he’s earned my trust. Just please respect my wishes in this?”
“I will. Thanks, Dani.”
“I’ll go with her.” Lemon stood. “Make sure the lovebirds behave.”
“Christ, Lemon.” My lips wanted to curl despite everything that had just happened. “Can you try to not be so abrasive?”
“Works for him.” She nodded at Wylde. “I reckon it’ll work for me too. To be honest, I don’t really care. See me, love me, motherfucker.”
That got a bark of laughter from both Wylde and Blaze. Neither man bothered to hide their mirth.
“Don’t encourage her. She’s bad enough as it is.”
“Why would I not encourage her?” Wylde chuckled. “She’s me.”
“Don’t know about that,” Lemon said. “But I know I’m either a pleasant surprise, or I make everything incredibly fucking uncomfortable and awkward. Like a finger in the asshole.”
That was all Blaze could take. He doubled over with laughter. Wylde too. Both men had tears streaming down their cheeks. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t too.
I pointed at Lemon. “Go pester someone else.” She just shrugged and left, taking her sister with her.
“Got a guy I want Sting to look into, Blaze. Kid from the school. Not sure what he’s got planned later, but he’d make a damned fine prospect. Maybe not now, but when he’s ready. Big kid. Looked like a linebacker.”
“Oh?” Blaze raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah. Was a really good help when we got to the first class. Even kept the teacher focused. Seems to have a good head on his shoulders. Obadiah Mason. Goes by Obie.”
“In high school? You sure that’s a good idea?”
“I’m just saying it might be a good idea for the officers to look into him. Maybe keep an eye on him while he’s in town. I’m gonna be watchin’ him. Just for shits and giggles.”
Blaze nodded once. “I’ll let Sting know. He’ll likely get with you later.” He gave me a wink. “Sure now’s not the time. Go comfort your woman. That shit can wait.”
Once everyone was gone but me and Wylde, he lifted me into his arms and left. I was glad because sitting so close to my own puke was a bit disconcerting. I probably should have protested, but it felt good to be in his embrace. So I just circled his neck with my arms and buried my face in his chest and let the tears come.
I don’t really remember getting to the room we shared, but the next thing I knew Wylde stood me in front of the bathroom sink and opened a new toothbrush for me, fixing it so I could brush my teeth and rinse my mouth out. Not long after that I found myself sitting on the bed with Wylde holding me as tightly as I held him. He’d turned me so I was straddling his lap with my head resting on his shoulder.
“I’ve got you, baby. Everything’s OK.” He rubbed my back over and over, soothing me in a way no one in my life had ever been able to. Maybe it was because even before our mother had died, I’d felt responsible for the twins. Or maybe I just never trusted anyone enough to let them in.
“I only pretended not to want them, you know.” I spoke softly, not really sure why I was telling Wylde this, but needing to get it out. “Lemon and Apple. I gave them those ridiculous names out of spite, but Mom just gave me a little knowing smile. I think she knew I’d end up being the one to raise them. It’s why she wanted me to bond with them.”
