“Havoc,” I warn him when she sways. He takes one look at her and curses. “Amity!” he calls out.
Amity rushes over with G. She tugs Neveah into her arms, but she can’t tear her eyes away from Star or her growing horror.
“What is it?” Havoc looks over Star from head to toe, much like I am, half expecting a gaping wound from their reactions. It’s G who puts it together first.
“Oh fuck.” He hurries over to Star, offering her a smile. “Can we take your raincoat off? It’s not even raining anymore, silly,” he teases, making her smile back. As soon as he mentions the raincoat, the pieces click together.
When Citi was abducted, she was wearing a pink raincoat and boots.
My eyes fly to Havoc’s. Coincidence or a direct hit?
“The principal said she got a donation yesterday. She was asked to give some of the children specific items.”
Havoc’s eyes narrow.
“I’ll go talk to her,” Amity offers, letting go of Nevaeh, who has calmed down now.
“I wanna drive them home. Amity, you good to switch and take my bike?”
“You got it.” She walks over and hands me the keys as G slips the boots off Star’s feet and hands them to Amity. “Might as well return them. Tell her what’s going on.”
“No problem.” She nods, holding out her hand to me. I toss her the keys, which she catches before heading off.
“I can’t believe someone did this on purpose. What the hell for?” Nevaeh hisses.
I pull back and look down at Citi, who looks up at me with big, wounded eyes.
“Let’s get you home.”
She slides her arm around my neck and buries her head under my jaw, crying softly. I get to my feet with her in my arms, gritting my teeth so hard, I’m surprised I don’t grind them to dust.
Havoc nods before following me with Star in his arms and Nevaeh at his side. I don’t see G, so I assume he followed Amity. I make my way back the same way I came. Nobody who passes us says anything, which I’m grateful for, but I have no doubt that it will be the talk of the fucking school tomorrow. Once we get to the parking lot, I can see the pick-up line has started to fill up. I’m thankful that we’re far enough away that most people won’t know what’s happening.
“Over there, Ambros,” I look to where Nevaeh is pointing and spot Amity’s new truck. I carry Citi over and unlock the vehicle. I walk around to the passenger side, and Nevaeh hurries around to open it.
“Thanks,” I murmur before setting Citi into the seat and strapping her in. “Hold on for a little while longer, angel, okay?”
“Okay,” she whispers.
Neveah reaches over and squeezes her shoulder. “We’ve got the car seat in the truck. We’ll ride over with Star. We’ll be right behind you, okay?”
Citi looks up at her and nods, her head turning so she can see Havoc standing near the hood with Star still in his arms. “Is she okay?”
“She’s absolutely fine. I wouldn’t lie to you about that, I promise.”
She nods as Nevaeh moves back and closes the door. She gives me a quick hug before hurrying over to Star and Havoc.
“Your place or the clubhouse?” He calls out as I round the truck.
“My place. I want her to be able to relax.”
“Alright, see you there. Come on, princess, let’s get you strapped in.”
I step out of my cut and put it in the back seat before climbing in the driver’s side and turning the music on low so the silence doesn’t seem quite so oppressive. I don’t try to make small talk, even though I’d rather she focus on me than the dark thoughts I’m sure are swirling around inside her brain. I don’t think she’s with me enough to focus. I let her sit in the quiet while I drive, but I reach over and place my hand on her thigh so she knows she’s not alone.
If I get my way, she’ll never be alone again.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
