He nods.
I march back inside, and Track follows, not even attempting to argue. When someone asks for help, we go, no matter how many times they leave believing things will be different.
I step into the kitchen, and Cole stands talking to Hope. His gaze shifts to mine.
“Jos, you up for a field trip?” I turn my attention to her.
Hope’s brow scrunches. “What’s going on?”
“Kelsey texted,” Track answers.
Her shoulders slump, knowing what it means.
Jos hops up. “Yep.”
Track or TJ could go, but Kelsey trusts me. She reached out for help, and we don’t know what kind of condition we’ll find her in. What she needs most is someone she feels safe with.
I stop in front of Cole. “Someone will take you back and stay with you until I get there.”
His dark eyebrows tip inward. “Where are you going?”
Hope leaves the kitchen, knowing she and Track are following close behind.
“Someone needs help. I have to go,” I say, hoping he remembers the “No Asking Questions” rule.
His blue eyes flick between mine.
“I’ll take him unless you want backup,” TJ offers.
“Nah. Jos and I got this.” I turn toward Tracker. “You’ll be ready?” He nods. “Can I borrow the bike? I’ve got the rental, and we’re losing time.”
He stares at me. “Will you bring it back in one piece?”
I shrug. “Depends on what I find when I get there?”
One side of his mouth curls. “If you roll off, make sure your timing is right.” He tosses me the keys.
“You want us to do anything?” Jamie asks, sitting with Lyla and Vanessa.
My sisters. The only ones I’ll ever have. Flashes of knowing skirt across their faces as quick as lightning.
“Check on her tomorrow.”
No words are spoken. None are needed. They understand. There will be physical pain, but it’ll be nothing compared to the hell she’ll put herself through for leaving. Like a cinder block chained to her ankle, she’ll have to free herself and fight her way to the surface once again.
I head to the front door, and Cole follows me.
“I don’t understand. What are you going to do?” The concern in his voice surprises me, and I turn to see his face.
His eyes are gentle and filled with worry.
I pause, staring at him as Jos pushes past us and out the door. “There’s someone who needs my help. . .getting out of a situation.”
His eyes trace over my face like he’s trying to solve a brain teaser. “Is it dangerous?”
TJ stifles a laugh behind him. Interestingly, Cole’s eyes stay locked on mine, not giving a shit.
“This. . . ” I pause, realizing Cole thinks I spend my days protecting people like him. I step a little closer. “This is what I do. I help those who need someone to come after them.”
