“I think so. She’s malnourished. I was afraid she was dehydrated, too. Maci convinced her to drink mostly Gatorade last night. Fluids with an IV would’ve been faster, but I didn’t suggest it. She won’t let anyone touch her.” Nina points to thefile in Nanny’s hand. “The photos in there show old wounds. This has been going on for a while.”
Shep’s phone dings. He reads the text and snaps his head up. “It’s an SOS.” His phone rings seconds later. “Yeah?” His eyes lock with Mack’s. “She’s still here.” He listens for a moment. He growls and clenches his other hand into a fist. “I’ll tell Mack.”
“He hunting her?” I ask.
Shep nods. “He tried. Went to her mother’s house. Neighbors saw him lurking around and called 911. Cops got there after he kicked the door in.”
“He hurt her mother, too?” Mack slams his fist on the desk.
“Dylan didn’t say. But due to the circumstances, they’re bringing her mother here, too. They’ll be here in two days. I’ll call Drake in Utah and get all the info on this case,” Shep offers.
Yeah, we need everything we can get on this one. We’ve never had an angel and her mother. Kids? Lots of times. This is definitely a first.
“Is he back in jail?” If he’s not, I’m going to Utah and hunt Austin Miller down myself.
“Sadly, no,” Shep replies. “He was gone when the cops arrived.”
“Shep, call Drake. We need details and facts. We can’t guess on this one.” Shep slips into the hall to make the call. Mack looks over his shoulder at me. “Put the club on high alert. I don’t trust this guy. None of the ladies leaves club property without an escort.”
Nanny and Nina glance at each other. Neither protests our President’s orders. This guy may not show up here, but both ladies know the danger we could face if he does.
“I’ll call Nick. He can get his brother to help me watch the cameras,” Coty suggests.
Mack nods. Coty follows Shep out the door.
“Maci and Ember leave for college this afternoon. We’ll double their security for a few days.” I doubt they’re in danger from Miller, but the extra security will ease everyone’s mind.
Nanny silently mouths the words‘thank you’to me.
“Nina, see if Lauren will stay with you and Skylar at The Haven House for a few days since she’s connected with both you. Don’t mention her mother coming just yet. Let the helpers get her closer to Tennessee first.” Mack looks up at me again. “You wanna stay on guard duty or let the prospect switch it out?”
“I have The Haven House. Let the prospects help Jay and Coty watch the fence line.” I give my best friend a firm nod. There’s no way in the world I’m letting anyone else guard that house.
I feel her watching me and meet her gaze. Her expression is unreadable. Hopefully, mine shows her that I’m not letting anyone hurt her again.
Chapter 18
Nina
Skylar pulled back a little after Maci and Ember left. She got used to them being here and didn’t want to be alone at night. With her panic attacks, which are understandable, and her mental state, leaving her alone wasn’t a good idea. We moved her to one of the shared bedrooms with two twin beds. Usually, angels with children stay in those rooms. I’ve spent the past two nights with her.
Lauren has taken over kitchen duty and cooked all of our meals. She’s staying in my room downstairs. Jay has come to the back door every day to see her. He brings the list of food she requests. My sister loves to cook. Hey, I’m not complaining. With an angel here, Jay can’t eat dinner with us. Lauren sends a plate home with him, though. She also carries one out to Darin since Skylar wouldn’t let me out of her sight.
Her mother was supposed to arrive late last night. The helpers in Utah had some trouble getting her out of the state. Austin was spotted twice on the first day. Somehow, he managed to evade the cops both times. Nick thinks he has more than oneperson helping him, but he can’t look into it right now. There was a possible sighting of Harley. Nick’s putting her first.
Vanna Clarke arrived at the Den two hours ago, almost a day behind schedule. We waited until lunch today to tell Skylar that her mother was on the way. For the first time since meeting the girl, I saw hope in her eyes. After moving her mother into the shared bedroom in my place, I head downstairs. Both ladies are an emotional mess and need some privacy. They’re crying and unsure about their future, but they’re happy to be together again. That’s what counts.
“Hey, Sissi. Dinner almost ready?” I start a fresh pot of coffee brewing and lean back against the counter.
“Yes, but you can’t eat yet.” She’s been cooking for over an hour.
“What?” I gawk at her. “You made meatloaf, and I can’t have it?”
My sister has lost her mind. She makes the best meatloaf. There’s never any leftovers. I’m pretty sure her secret ingredient is the brown sugar she packs into the bottom of the pan. If she adds something else, I haven’t noticed. It’s so good.
“Oh, you’ll get a plate, just not for about another hour.” She continues mixing the ingredients for her homemade biscuits as if this is okay.
“Why, Lauren? This is illegal. You can’t keep food from your sister.” I huff and roll my eyes.
