“We need to call Calder and your grandmother today,” I reminded her.
She looked at me. “I know, but we also need to eat, so food comes first. We can go into town after breakfast and make the call when we come back.”
The trip to the grocery store revealed another facet of Chloe’s personality to me. She marched through the aisles as though she were on a mission, working her way through the store with swift precision. She rarely lingered over choices, selecting products after a quick perusal of ingredients and price.
Within twenty minutes, we’d gathered what we needed, paid for the items, and were back in the truck, heading out of town. I noticed Chloe checking her mirrors, making sure we weren’t followed as she drove. I’d been doing the same and it seemed we were safe for now.
Once we were back at the house, the groceries put away, Chloe and I opened the bag that Carter had given us last night. Inside we found everything he promised—a map of the city, blueprints of the police station, and something he hadn’t promised, his father’s habits, schedule, and, best of all, the combination to his safe. Then we called Calder and her grandmother, Sophia.
Quickly, I explained what had occurred over the past two days. Calder and Sophia remained quiet as I spoke, neither saying a word until I was done.
“You don’t know where Carter went?” Sophia asked, her tone displeased.
“No, I don’t, but I trust him.”
“Yes, well, my son trusted Darrell and look what happened.”
“Gram,” Chloe interrupted. “Lachlan did the right thing. Carter got us everything we need to break into his father’s station and get proof of everything he’s done. Including proof that he murdered Mom and Dad.”
Sophia was silent.
“How many wolves will you need?” Calder asked.
“Four, maybe five,” I answered.
“That many?”
I sighed and rubbed my forehead. “There’s a complication.” When Calder didn’t speak, I continued. “Brian and Brayden Kirkpatrick are here.”
“What?” Calder’s voice was loud enough to make me wince. “What in the hell are they doing there? They were just in Dallas a few weeks ago.”
“I don’t know but it definitely gives me a bad feeling.”
“Me too,” Calder murmured. “So do you think they’re there to see Chloe?”
I glanced over at her and knew she’d heard Calder’s question. Her eyes were intent upon me and full of questions. “Yeah, I do.”
“Fuck, I really don’t like this. Okay, so four or five wolves. Do the Kirkpatricks have any of their pack with them?”
“Not that I know of.”
“Maybe I should send more than five,” he stated.
“It’s your call,” I agreed. “Either way, we’ll need to wait a few days and give Carter a chance to heal before we attack. If you send Mason and Shane, plus two others, the six of us should be able to handle it. None of them are as strong as our weakest wolf.”
“Seven of us,” Chloe corrected me. “Unless you were planning to stay behind because I’m sure as hell not.” Her tone held a warning.
“I’m not sure how effective Carter is in a fight,” I explained. “Even if he’s healed, it’s doubtful he’ll be at his full strength for weeks.”
Chloe tilted her head. “I think he’ll surprise you,” she drawled.
“But a few days’ wait will give them time to get ready for us,” Sophia argued.
“Maybe, but Carter said we’ll need his help to get in and I believe him,” I replied.
“I’ll tell them to get ready to leave tomorrow. It will give you time to formulate a plan and get them up to speed,” Calder offered.
“Sounds good.” I glanced around the house. “Tell them to be prepared to rough it. There are only two bedrooms and a damn tiny couch.”
