Panic claws at my chest. Jackson’s diabetes can be tricky, and a stomach ache could mean his blood sugar is off.
Thank God Tommy’s been paying attention all these years. He knows how to help when his little brother’s having an episode. “You did exactly right, baby. I’m so proud of you.”
“I wanna come home.”
My eyes connect with Dread’s, and he grins. He really is handsome when he smiles.
As if reading my mood from across the room, his lips turn down. I watch as he says something to the men he’s talking to and stalks in my direction.
“Tommy, sit tight, sweetie. I’m coming to get you.”
I hear my son sniffle, and my heart squeezes. “Okay.”
“Do you know what street you’re on?”
“It’s a yellow house. And there’s a big tree out front.”
That doesn’t help me at all. “Can you look outside and see any street signs?”
“Hold on.” There’s a shuffling sound as Tommy presumably moves to look out the window. “I see something. Uhm…Pine... Pine Creek Drive? I think that’s what it says.”
“Good job, buddy. Now, is there a number on the house? Maybe on the mailbox?”
“402,” he says after a moment.
“Good job, baby,” I’m trying to keep my voice steady despite the panic racing through me. “I’m coming right now, but I need to try and call your dad, okay?”
“No! Don’t hang up.” His voice wobbles.
I swear to God, if it’s the last thing I do, Eddie will never be alone with my boys again. Jesus. I should have known better.
Pulling in another breath, I try to calm my sweet boy. “It’s okay, sweetie. It’ll only take a minute. I’ll call you right back. I promise.”
I can hear him fighting to be brave. “Okay,” he says softly.
My eyes close. “I love you.”
“Love you too.” I disconnect the call.
“What’s wrong?” Dread growls, standing toe to toe with me like he’s ready to do battle.
“Everything.” Scrolling to Eddie’s number, I hit call. It rings and rings before finally going to voicemail.
Son of a bitch.
“I need you to take me home. My boys are in trouble.”
Dread’s eyes rake over my face for a split second before he turns and scans the room. “Reign!”
A tall and lean man with piercing blue eyes looks over. “Yo!”
“Need to borrow your truck.”
I watch in awe as the man tosses Dread his keys without asking any questions.
“Let’s go.” He takes my hand and pulls me out of the clubhouse.
I barely have time to call out a hasty goodbye to the women before I’m being whisked outside. Dread leads me to a black Ford F-250 and opens the passenger door for me.
