My jaw dropped when Rad laughed as he wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.
Was he insane?
Before I could react, there was another loud crash and the two guards that had been missing stumbled backward into view, Gunny and Val going after them.
Lu gestured for me to stay put again and then stood up, moving farther down the balcony hallway. There was a lot of yelling coming from downstairs, but it all stopped when Lu raised his gun and shot into the air before pointing it at those down on the first floor.
And then all I heard was silence.
I wanted to peek and see what everyone was doing, but Lu had said to stay and that was exactly what I was going to do. I was experienced at hiding and surviving. Lu was experienced at fighting.
"You can't do this!"
Okay, I had to look.
I leaned up just enough to be able to look down at the first floor. I had to tuck my lips in to keep from laughing when I saw Rad tying Elder Payne's hands behind his back. Val and Gunny were securing the four guards.
Ze'ev was one the phone. I don't know who he was talking to, but the frown on his face said he didn't want to be talking to them.
"I'm an elder!"
"You came into my territory without my permission and broke into my house," Ze'ev stated firmly even as he held the phone to his ear. "In my book, that makes you a criminal."
"I don't need your permission to enter your territory," Payne insisted. "You can't keep me here. This is kidnapping."
Ze'ev snorted. "Like I care."
"Elder Ridge should be here soon to pick up this asshole," Val said. "I called him when I realized Payne was here." He smirked as he looked at Payne. "He's got a lot to say to you."
"Who are you?" Payne demanded.
"You don't need to know," Val replied.
"Ze'ev," Rad started, "I need to go—"
Lu snapped his fingers and then gestured to me with his head. A moment later I heard heavy footsteps coming up the stairs and then Rad appeared. He blew out a breath the moment he spotted me squatting down next to the fireplace.
He hurried toward me. I moved back behind the fireplace before he could reach me, standing up. I had just enough time to set the gun on the mantle before Rad swept me up in his arms.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
I nodded even as I hugged him back. "I'm fine."
"Sy?"
"He's hiding in the greenhouse."
"I will get him and put him in Ze'ev and Jackson's room. I don't want Payne to see him. I don't want Payne to see you either so can you go into the attic...Wait." Rad frowned. "How did you get up here?"
I chuckled lightly. "I climbed the tree outside and came in through the window."
"Can we get Sy in the house in the same way?" Rad asked. "I'd like the two of you to go into that hiding space until everyone is gone. I don't want anyone to know you are here."
"Maybe if you help me."
"Okay, I'll go get Sy. Meet me at the window."
I grabbed the gun again—just in case—and then turned and made my way back up to the attic. I was fully onboard with no one knowing Sy and me were here.
