The kid nodded, solemn as a judge.“You come back.”
“If they let me.”
She crossed the room and stopped in front of me.Arms wrapped around herself.Hoodie sleeves swallowing her hands.
“You look good,” I told her.
She touched the ends of her hair.“Even with the crown?”
“Especially with the crown.”
“New clubhouse dress code,” she teased.“Patches and tiaras.”
“Careful,” Casey warned.“You’ll give them ideas.”
Before I could steer Jade toward coffee, Marci came in wiping her hands on a dish towel.One look at Jade -- from tiara to hoodie -- and her mouth curved.
“Perfect timing,” she announced.“Field trip.”
Every instinct I had snapped tight.“Field trip?”
“Groceries and clothes,” Marci clarified.“We’re low on everything, and our girl needs more than three outfits.Moms’ van.Town run.You and Knuckles escort.”
My spine locked.“Off compound?”
“Yes, Kane.Town.The place with stores.”
I chose my words carefully.“I’m not saying she can’t go.Taking her off property while Roth sniffs around seems risky.”
“We won’t go near her old neighborhood,” Marci countered.“Highway store only.In and out.Atilla gave clear rules.”
My gaze shifted to Jade.
She froze.Her arms wrapped tighter around her ribs.Her gaze darted toward the door, then dropped to the floor.
“I don’t have to go,” she said in a rush.“I can borrow clothes.Make do.I don’t want --”
“You don’t want to cause problems.”I hated that she felt like she was a burden.
She flinched.“Yeah.”
“Your existence isn’t trouble.”I’d tell her that a hundred times if that was what it took for her to believe me.
Her mouth twisted.“Feels otherwise.”
Marci wrapped an arm around her shoulders.“You need new underwear.Shoes for running.A proper coat.You escaped with your life and found people who want to help you.Let us.”
Jade swallowed hard.“When you put everything in perspective…”
“That’s the only way to say it,” Marci said.
Solena appeared in the doorway.“I already made the list.Your name’s on it.”
“Lists are sacred,” Casey added.
I hated the whole plan.Stupid would be the only word for ignoring Atilla’s authority, though.“He signed off?”
Marci tipped her chin toward the hall.
