“You can’t justtakethose weapons,” Caroline declared.
“The second I learn who King A is—and I find him—I’m deep-sixing him so fast, thoseborrowedweapons will be back here before anyone realizes they’re missing.”
Caroline stared at her for an extra beat. “You’re a handful, you know that?”
“One of my strengths.” Her biting tone made Caroline laugh.
“I know you’ve got alotgoing on,” Caroline said, “but you haven’t seen Mom and Dad since you’ve gotten home.”
“I’d planned on swinging by tonight.”
“Mom texted us.”
Sydney fished her phone from the camouflage pants pocket, turned off the Do Not Disturb, and read the text from their mom.
Hi girls! Sydney, Dad and I can’t wait to see you. Aunt Valerie is coming over for dinner. Can you make it? Car, Grey too. Love you, Mom
Sydney smiled. “I love how she always signs it, like we have no idea who’s texting us.”
“She knows,” Caroline said. “She’s just being Mom. I know you’re not supposed to leave, but I can smuggle you out, if you sit in the back. The windows are super tinted.”
“Did Tank tell you I wouldn’t sit in the back?”
“He texted Grey, but I knew you wouldn’t. My sissy, the stubborn mule.” Caroline laughed and Sydney burst into tears.
“Ohgod, Sydney.” Caroline enveloped her. “Let it out.”
Sydney released a torrent of grief, ugly-crying all over Caroline’s shirt. Breaking away, she went into the bathroom, blew her nose and wiped her tear-streaked face.
Get it together. Now.
Shuddering in a shaky breath, she returned to Caroline and smiled. “I’m okay.”
“No, you’re not.”
“You’re right. I’m wrecked over Naomi. I know what we do is dangerous?—”
“So dangerous.”
“And I know it comes with risks?—”
“Big ones.”
“I love what I do and I’m not going to let Naomi’s murder stop me.”
“I would think it would fuel you to find King A.”
A smile split Sydney’s lips. “I’m going to shred him into a million fucking pieces.”
“Okay, so you have to be smart. Back seat. Wear one of your wigs. I brought a few. I know you don’tneedprotection, but Tank is… well, he’s a tank. He’s got a ton going on, but he’ll keep you safe.” Caroline held up her hand to stop Sydney from protesting. “I know you’re independent. Way more than I am, but you havegotto be careful.” After another brief pause, she added, “We all do.”
“I promise I’ll be smart, which means I’ll be safe.” Sydney held out her pinky.
Caroline clasped her pinky with her own, squeezed and released. A pinky promise was unbreakable.
Caroline released a sigh. “How ‘bout we head to Mom and Dad’s tonight? We’ll spend a couple of hours with them, then we’ll burn the midnight oil.”
“You don’t need to stay here. I don’t need a chaperone.”
