“Looks like they got to a hospital, they rushed him to surgery. But it seems like the police were called.” I say, as her eyes bug out. “Don’t worry angel, we got a lawyer coming in.”
She nods her head, still trying to process everything that has happened. Being kidnapped, drugged, almost dying, Cedric being rushed into surgery for a bullet that was meant for her, what more could she handle.
Whatever strings were pulled, whatever money was thrown their way, Charlotte is able to be in the same room as Cedric, both of them knocked out, Charlotte at his bedside. The machines beeping, filling the silence that falls on us.
There’s not enough coffee in the world that will keep me awake. But watching Charlotte finally rest knowing that Cedric is going to recover and the worst is over.
By killing Xander we eliminated their main drug runner, leaving them to replan their operations and maybe leaving Raleigh alone. At least that is the hope. The other thing that lies at hand is taking down the inside man through the school system, and I have a strange feeling that once I tell my little angel who it is, she won't be gentle.
A tap on the shoulder makes me turn around. There in front of me is a curvy redhead and about average height compared to Charlotte. I vaguely remember seeing her as we walked in the hospital she was talking with the police.
“You must be Keola,” she smiles, extending out a hand. I grab it and shake it but still feel confused.
“I'm sorry and you are?” I ask pulling my hand back and taking a quick glimpse at Charlotte to make sure she didn't wake up.
“It's okay not everyone remembers me. I'm Shiloh Dawn. you can call me Shy,” she folds her arms across her chest clinging against the other side of the doorway. “If I had known that working for a non-profit would also give me some business back in the criminal world I'll be rich by now again.”
“Wait, you work for the foundation?” Why do I not remember her?
She nods her head, “I do. I'm the legal advocate and liaison. Been with the company for a couple years now. But when someone told me that Cedric was in a little bit of trouble I drove down to make sure that nothing happened.”
Now the pieces were making sense, “Who called you?”
“Let's just say he’s a big pain in my ass,” she chuckles. “Look everything is okay we just spin the story that you all were assisting in training him in firearms. But the lesson didn't go too well.”
“And they fell for that?” I know sometimes police officers can be a little dunce, but still. She throws her hand up to stop me, “I'm very good at my job. It’s a good thing y'all keep a lawyer on retainer huh?”
Wait do we actually. She sees the spinning look in my eyes, “I'm kidding. As much as you all have done for the foundation and boss lady and now them, I don't mind it.”
“And she's a great friend for it,” a small soft voice comes from behind me, capturing my waist with her arms. “Thanks babe for all you did. Sorry you had to come down a distance.”
“Anything, I may be swamped with cases, but family is family right?” she grips Charlotte’s chin and gives her a squeeze.
“You going to hang around or what are you going to do next?” Charlotte asks her. She shrugs her shoulders, “I have to set that pain in the ass straight, and then we’ll see.”
“Wait, Tessa didn’t call you?” Charlotte questions.
Shiloh shakes her, Charlotte grins, “Do I know this person?”
“Now my little gumdrop, why would I give you all my secrets?” she winks and leaves us.
I know her secret, but it’s not mine to tell.
She snuggles herself into a hug. Her warmth and that smile brings back life in me. Loving her is just so easy. She may not have said it but she will. I’ll make the world spin around her, I’ll be by her side for the long haul.
“I hate to break up this moment,” a voice beside me appears. Greer stands at attention in front. “But that thing that you requested earlier, it’s back at the compound.”
Perfect.
“Thank you, brother. You mind watching over him?” I ask him, he nods his head. “No problem,” he says before moving to a chair next to Cedric in the bed.
“Up for a night ride?” I ask Charlotte as she eagerly says yes.
Chapter 52
Lottie
“Whatthefuckdoyou mean you have the Assistant Superintendent at the compound?” I asked, slapping Keola arm as we drove back to the compound late at night.
