“Gosh. Your call was right on time.”
“Long nap?”
“Too long,” I yawned.
Silence trailed my revelation. I waited for Mercer to speak again. My heart thudded against the nippy air of my bedroom as I anticipated what was next to fall from his lips.
“I need your help.”
“You have it.”
“A favor–” he breathed out.
“I’m listening.”
“It’s in Berkeley.”
“Interesting.”
“When should I expect you?”
I sighed, considering my responsibilities to the triad. My responsibilities to Teddy.
“I’m handling things,” I admitted, “But I will see you soon.”
“Royc–”
“Forty-eight hours, Mercer.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t. Kiss the babies and make room in their closets for me. Their aunt has a tab to run.”
“I will, but keep your money in your account. They have far too much already.”
“I wasn’t asking.”
Chuckling, Mercer quieted briefly. My heart ached for him. For them. The things they’d lost at such young ages were etched in their identity. It didn’t matter how many years got in betweenthem and that tragic day, I could still hear the pain of it in their voices.
“Goodnight Royce.”
“Goo–”
The line died. I pressed the phone against my chest and released a shaky breath. The love I held in there for Mercer, Malachi, Makai, and Milo was immeasurable. Visiting Berkeley would be my pleasure.
Clink.
The sound of glass kissing startled me. I braced myself for impact while simultaneously gripping the Glock underneath my pillow. In the darkness, I aimed the pistol toward the sound of movement. Though stalled, my memory was impeccable. But, still, I halted. Hesitation stalled my trigger finger.
My nostrils bloomed. A familiar fragrance gripped me by the throat. Security. Comfort. Warmth. It surrounded me, promising one thing.
You’re safe.
“Shoot!” Teddy demanded.
I lowered my gun. Complying wasn’t in my interest. Neither was possibly harming him. Or worse, ending his life. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. It was a chance I just wasn’t able to take.
“Teddy.”
