I slowed my steps as I approached Gary’s store. The lights were out, which was unusual this early.
Maybe I’d emotionally scarred his kids so badly that he’d had to take them home.
I pushed that thought away and pressed my face against the glass, peering into the darkness.
“Oh my god.”
I threw open the door and bolted across the small store, dropping down to Gary’s side.
Someone had bashed his skull in. His head was caved in on one side, blood leaking onto the floor of his shop. The rest of his body was so broken that it looked like little more than mush.
My hand shook as I pressed it to Gary’s neck, searching frantically for a pulse. I jolted as he opened his eyes. Still alive. I had no idea how, but I was keeping him that way. I pulled my phone from my pocket.
“I’m getting you help,” I promised. His eyes were dark with pain, and he opened his mouth in an attempt to say something. “Just rest, you’re going to be okay.”
I called an ambulance. He’d be taken to the paranormal hospital, where the doctors and healers would work together to save his life.
The operator was calm. “An ambulance is on its way, Miss.”
I left the phone line open as instructed. Gary was still attempting to speak. He would open his mouth, strain for a while, and then his eyes would slide shut.
His hand twitched, and I took it in mine.
“Did you hear that? The ambulance is on its way. They’ll heal you right up, and I swear I’ll kill whoever did this.”
“Boys,” he managed to get out. “Protect them.”
“I will.”
“Promise me.”
“I promise.”
I took a frantic glance around. Where the hell were his kids?
“You guys can come out now.” I closed my eyes when there was nothing but silence. I’d terrified them a few hours earlier, and now their dad was dying in front of them.
“I know I scared you today, but I’m here to help. Your dad wants me to look after you.”
I returned my attention to Gary. Pride shone in his dull eyes. He’d instructed them to hide, and they were doing exactly as he’d said. He flicked his eyes to my left and I peered between the shelves lying on the floor.
The store was a wreck. Someone had almost killed Gary, and they’d ransacked his store. I turned back to Gary. His face was so broken it was almost impossible to recognize him. But his terror was clear. My instincts roared at me.
I needed to get the kids out.
I grabbed my phone, hung up on the operator, and called my sister.
“Evie. I need you to get to Gary’s now. Do you know where it is?”
“Next to that tattoo parlor everyone loves, right?”
“Yeah. I need you to take his kids and keep them safe for me. Can you do that?”
I knew she could. Despite my hatred of the witches, they’d always protect children.
“Of course. I’ll be right there.”
I hung up, and a tear slid from Gary’s eye as he stared silently at me.
