My blood ran cold thinking about who sent me a dead bird. Was this his plan? To terrorize me with dead animals.
Tiffany looked over my shoulder. “Oh Fuck. Mags you need to call the police.”
I needed to call someone. I pulled my phone, and scrolled through my contacts. My thumb tapped on Theo’s before I even thought about what I was doing. He was the only person I wanted. Not Shiloh, not 9-1-1. Him. In a matter of two weeks he had become my safe space, my beacon.
Theo picked up on the first ring. “The kids have decided on pizza?—“
“Theo.” My voice cracked, but still tears wouldn’t come. “He was here.”
“Maggie.” His voice was ragged like he was running. “Zoe, can you watch the kids? Maggie just needs me real quick.” A small pause then he spoke again. “I’m on my way. What did that asshole do?”
“He left me a —”
Tiffany frowned at me. “There’s a note in there as well, Mags.”
Theo was tense as he shouted. “What does the note say?”
“That’s right, little bird. I will break you too.”
CHAPTER 9
THEO
That fucking asshole.We knew he was biding his time. That he would make his move when he believed we were comfortable. And we were right.
I started my car and drove down the driveway. “What does the note say?”
Her choked voice broke my heart.
“That’s right, little bird, I will break you too.”
If I had my way, he wouldn’t get close enough to try.
“Maggie, don’t touch anything else.” I turned the corner onto the Forte Femme block. “There might be finger prints on it.”
The silence on the phone had me worried.
My sister quickly answered. “Theo, where are you?”
“In the driveway.” I left the car running, while I rushed inside. “Coming through the front door.”
I killed the call as I walked into the kitchen. As soon as she spotted me, Maggie rushed over and I didn’t think twice about pulling her close. My arms wrapped around her and I never wanted to let her go. I took several moments just to memorize the feel of her. How small she was against me. How alive. I allowed my fear to leave, and the rage to lower to a simmer. I’ll get that asshole.
I buried my face in her hair, inhaling that apple shampoo. With my palm against her back her heartbeat pulsed quick and even.She’s safe.I reminded myself.
Tiffany looked up at me. “Shiloh and Nick are on their way over.”
“That’s good.” I kissed the top of Maggie’s head. “You’re safe, sweetheart.”
And I meant it, no one would touch her. Ever. If she thought that kiss earlier was an accident or a mistake, she had another thing coming. It proved that she was mine. And I would burn down the world to keep her safe.
She stepped out of arms, and instead of the fear I expected to see, there was fury etched into her pretty features. “He killed a fucking bird, Theo. Who the fuck does that? What kind of sick perverted monster did that?”
No answer I could give would satisfy her. She needed to vent, so I let her while I held her hand.
“Did he do this to piss me off, or to scare me. Because, yes I am terrified. He killed a defenseless creature who did nothing to him, just to make a point. Imagine what he could do to me. Imagine what he would do to you if he knew where me and the kids were staying.”
I offered her a small smile. “I’m not worried about me.”
