I run inside and almost stumble on a big man bearing down on Dad, who's intently bent over Dom, bloodied knife and pliers in his hands.
Teeth and some other small lumps are scattered.
Nails, I think.
I aim at the big guy.
Before I can pull the trigger, a bullet slams into his head, exploding out the front with brain, blood, and skull.
He falls to the ground.
I whip my head.
Gretchen stands, her features twisted into something that's risen from a hell she seems to know too well, and it culminates in a smile. "Fuck you, Paolo."
"I couldn't stop them," Silas pants, hands on his knees behind Gretchen and Lola.
I nod. "Get Gretchen out. And the others."
My sister runs up next to him, takes in the carnage, and falls to her knees, throwing up.
Lola comforts her, rubbing her back.
Lyndall sobs. "I...I wanted to make sure you were okay. But when the gunfire started and the guards ran to see, G-Gretchen grabbed me and made me hide with her, as silent as we could be."
My father turns and gets up. "I said I'd take care of this, Enzo."
"You've had your share. Now I want mine."
Somehow, Dad and Silas start to herd the girls to the door, including the maid.
Lyndall is so shaky she leans on Dad for support.
Silas approaches me. "Got the all clear from Cade. We need to go."
I nod.
When I'm alone, I stand over the man, and I don't even say a word. I just shove the barrel of the gun in his bloodied mouth, aware I'm doing him a favor but not wanting to risk him somehow surviving and coming after us.
I pull the trigger, killing him.
Then I turn, and she is there.
"Lola?"
"Can we go, Enzo?" she whispers.
And though I'm mad, there's a part that's thrilled she stayed for me.
I take her in my arms but don't pull her close. "Did he touch you?"
She closes her eyes and shudders. "I'm in one piece, so is Squish. He didn't...he didn't do anything, not really."
"When you want, when you are ready, we'll talk about it."
"I don't want to."
My next word is so fucking hard. "Okay."
