Donna raised a brow. “My sister?”
“Wait, Belladonna is coming down?” her mother questioned.
“She is,” Tabitha confirmed with a sigh. “She insisted.”
“Oh, my Lord,” her dad mumbled. “Is that safe? What did the doctor say about that?”
Tabitha shrugged. “She didn’t give him much of a say. But she should be fine if she doesn’t overexert herself.”
Donna shook her head and found a free spot on the sofa. She waved Niyah over before dropping to the cushion. Niyah satnext to her and crossed her feet at the ankle like a debutant; a stark contraction to Donna’s unladylike wide-legged position.
Lincoln moved closer, but instead of taking the seat next to her, he stood near the arm of the sofa. “You okay, babe?” he asked with a concerned expression.
Donna nodded. “I am. I'm just a little tired. How are you, Colonel?”
“I’m good now that everyone is safe and under one roof.”
Donna looked up at Lincoln. “I heard you gathered a few mercenaries for the occasion.”
Lincoln grinned. “I invited a few friends for a little extra manpower.”
“Couldn’t hurt,” Donna muttered. “How many men--”
Her words were cut off when Taylor wheeled Bella into the room. Immediately, her mother and father rushed over and kneeled in front of her. “How are you feeling, baby?” her mother asked.
Even through she looked like she’d stood a few rounds with Mike Tyson, she responded with a goofy grin. “I’m good,” she crooned.
Donna frowned with confusion when Bella looked up at Taylor and the two of them erupted into laughter. Her parents gave her a strange look and backed away.
Taylor smiled at Donna and wheeled her over, forcing Lincoln to move to the side.
“Hey, Twin!” Bella perked.
Donna studied her sister through narrowed lids. “What’s wrong with you?”
Bella giggled. “Not a thing.” She looked over a Niyah. “Hey, girl,” she greeted with a wave.
Taylor leaned down and whispered, “Any new developments?”
Donna inhaled the aroma of weed and gasped. “Are you bitches high?” she questioned in a harsh whisper.
“We might be.” Bella snickered. “Just a little.”
Donna rolled her eyes and threw her head back. “Oh, Lord,” she drawled.
“Let’s get started,” Victor initiated, seemingly unaware of his wife’s state of mind.
He turned to Bella and smiled. “I’m glad you’re up and at ‘em. You saved Lucas’ life. Thank you for that.”
“That’s my man!” she squealed. “Don’t thank me.”
Victor gave her a lingering look before nodding. He raised a questioning brow at Donna as if to ask what was going on. Donna shrugged and shook her head, urging him to move on. Thankfully, he did. He turned to Niyah. “I’m sorry about your friend.”
“Thank you,” Niyah responded mournfully.
“Anything new from the investigation?” Victor asked.
“Not yet, but I’ll keep you guys informed.”
