“How come you’re here?”
I’m curious and hope she doesn’t mind me asking, and a sad expression flits across her face.
“The usual. I was turning tricks and got roughed up one night. One of the Reapers was passing and intervened. If I went back to my room, I was guaranteed more of the same from my pimp, so he brought me here.”
She sighs. “They offered me a fresh start, money for a ticket somewhere of my choice, an apartment, a job even.”
“That’s amazing.”
She nods. “It is, and the offer is always there, but my mom lives nearby and isn’t doing so well. She’s undergoing treatment for cancer and, well, the prognosis is bad, so I do what I can and spend as much time with her as possible.”
Blade is approaching, and she smiles wistfully. “I’m in no hurry to leave, anyway. If she pulls through, I may take them up on the offer and relocate to the coast. Buy us an apartment and set up a respectable life. Breaks don’t come by easily, so it’s important not to ignore them when they do. Pray for my mom, Delilah, for both of us because God’s the only one who can help her now.”
“I will.”
She stands as Blade joins us. “Don’t keep Delilah all to yourself, honey. She needs some girl time too, and it’s cocktails at eight tonight.”
He says nothing and merely grunts, and Britney winks.
“Catch you later, Delilah. Blade.”
She winks behind his back, and as she leaves, my heart is heavy for her. Her life is in limbo all the time her mom fights her battle and I will pray for her tonight and hope they get their new beginning.
CHAPTER 34
BLADE
By the time we finish our meal, Brewer’s text comes through.
“What does it say?”
Delilah peers at me anxiously, and I show her the screen.
Head to Ryder’s office when you finish up. Bring Delilah.
The color drains from her face. “What does this mean?”
“They have information. And darlin’–”
“Yes.”
She is biting her lip, worry etched on her pretty face, and I fix her with a sharp gaze.
“There is nothing to worry about. Understand?”
“If you say so.”
I hate how that text has painted a frown on her face, and with a sigh, I jerk my head toward the door.
“The only way to fix that smile is to get this over with.”
She nods, gathering our plates and placing them on the rack. With a brief wave to Lou, we head toward Ryder’s office.
A gruff voice tells us to enter, and I hope for Delilah’s sake this is what she wants to hear.
As we head inside, I notice Snake and Brewer on the couch, and Lucy standing beside Ryder, pointing at some documents.
She glances up as we enter and flashes Delilah a welcoming smile.
