“Come on.” Mammoth led me from the bar down a hall and then up a flight of stairs. He stopped outside a bedroom and pulled out a key, unlocking the door before swinging it wide. “Nobody is gonna bother you. I’ll bring up a tray and leave it on the table inside the door. I’m the only one who has a key other than Hannibal.”
“Thanks.” I yawned as I walked inside and collapsed on the bed. “Will you wake me up if you hear anything?”
“Of course.”
“And let Crypt in. He swore to Hannibal that he wouldn’t leave my side.”
“No problem.” Mammoth paused to scratch his beard. “You and Crypt. That a thing?”
“Not sure yet, but it might be.”
“The Crossroads is about to get a lot more interesting.”
With my dad around? I was sure that was true.
I fell asleep the instant my head rested on the pillow. It was dark in the room when I felt someone shaking my shoulder.
“Hey, beautiful, your dad is on his way. Should be here soon.”
Crypt flicked a switch, and light from a nearby lamp clicked on. It wasn’t super bright, but I blinked anyway, rubbing the sleep from my eyes before I sat up.
“How far away are they?”
“Don’t know, but I figured we should get you up and downstairs to greet Rylee.” He moved out of the way as I swung my legs over the side, smoothing the shirt I wore.
I was sure I looked as rough as I felt, but I didn’t care about my appearance or what people might think. I just needed mydaughter to know she was okay. Whatever happened afterward, I’d deal with it.
As I stood, I wobbled a bit, unsteady. “I don’t think I slept long.”
“You didn’t. Just a few hours, but hopefully it’s enough for now.” Crypt led me to a try that rested on a little table. “Mammoth brought up some ham and cheese sandwiches, fresh fruit, and trail mix. There’s apple juice, water, or tea. You want to grab anything?”
I was about to say no when my stomach growled. “Sandwich and juice.”
“Smart choice.” Crypt picked up the paper plate and handed me one of the sandwiches before twisting the cap off my juice. “You can eat while we walk downstairs.”
I accepted the sandwich and took a bite, chewing before sipping the juice. Suddenly ravenous, I ate faster than I intended and finished off the juice as we reached the bar. It was still crowded.
Mammoth stood by the bar. “He’s almost here.”
I couldn’t wait inside the bar. Rylee needed to see me first as soon as she arrived. Not strangers she had never met.
Less than five minutes later, I heard the rumble of a motorcycle and rushed outside. I didn’t have to look over my shoulder to see that Crypt was right behind me.
A soft cry fell from my lips when I saw Hannibal approach the gate and then ride through, rushing toward him. Rylee was riding in front of him, clutching her grandpa as her big brown eyes searched the buildings.
When my daughter saw me, she began to bawl.
I moved so fast I wasn’t sure how I reached her, tugging Rylee into my arms as she wrapped herself around me, crying into my neck as I held her. “I’ve got you, sweetie. I’m here. I love you!”
I just kept repeating the words, rubbing her back in soothing circles. She blubbered my name, and I rocked her as I stood, holding her as she released all the fear, anxiety, and worry she must have felt. I couldn’t imagine what she went through, and there was a part of me that craved vengeance in the darkest way. I needed blood spilled and the men who took her to die horrible, agonizing deaths. I had to know they would pay for taking Rylee from me.
“It’s dealt with,” Hannibal assured me.
My gaze found his and the clenching of his jaw. Watching Rylee fall apart must have been as devastating for him as it was for me. “What do you mean?”
“It’s done. They’re gone.”
Gone? I blinked in confusion and then realized what he meant. The men who took her would never be able to hurt her again because they were dead. I didn’t condone violence all the time, but on rare occasions, it was the only way to get justice.
