Page 87 of Smitty

And that was exactly what we were doing.

Grim was working over the guy they’d brought in from Shep’s latest hunt for straggling Coyotes. Creed, Memphis, and several of the others were out looking for Raymond, and the rest were either making calls with Prez or at the Vault, prepping for the day ahead.

And I was looking for the place where I was the most needed. I’d just gotten back from dropping off Brooke and was making my way into the bar. As soon as I stepped inside, I spotted Goose. “Figured you’d be with Memphis or Creed.”

“Figured you’d still be with Brooke.”

“It was a long night. She needed some rest.”

“I bet she did.”

“Easy now.”

“So, how’re things going with you two?”

“Better than I deserve.”

“Doubt that.” He crossed his arms and smirked. “Heard you got yourself a little girl.”

“I do, and man, she’s really something.”

“I bet she is.” His smirk grew. “Takes after her ol’ man.”

“Don’t know about all that.”

“But you guys are good?”

“Getting there.”

“Good. Glad to hear it. You’ll have to fill me in more later. I’ve gotta get to the Vault.” He pulled his keys from his pocket. “You heading over?”

“I was gonna check with Prez first and see where he needs me.”

“He and Creed are probably with Grim. He’s been out in the playroom since early this morning.”

I didn’t have to ask why. I knew Grim well enough to know that he was already working on the guy Shep had helped them track down, and it wouldn’t be long before he got the guy talking.

Talking.

That was one word for it.

As a prospect, I’d not only dealt with remains, but I’d hosed enough blood off his playroom floors to know exactly what happened when Grim was working someone over. He didn't stop because someone screamed. He didn't stop because they begged or passed out. He only stopped when he got the information he wanted.

And I mean everything.

Goose must’ve recognized the expression on my face because he scoffed, “He’s messy, but he’s good.”

“That he is.”

Goose gave me a nod, then headed for the door. “I’ll see ya when I see ya. Until then, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

The door closed before I could respond, and silence settled over me in a way that made the hairs on the back of my neck prickle against my skin. Somewhere down the hall, I heard a dull thud, and then another and another. Seconds later, Grim came barreling out of the hallway like a bull ready to lead the stampede.

His eyes met mine as he asked, “You seen Prez or Creed?”

“Afraid not.” I stepped toward him. “Just got back from dropping off Brooke, and I haven’t seen anyone but Goose. He just headed over to the Vault… When I asked, he said he figured Prez was with you.”

“Son of a bitch.” Grim dragged his hand through his hair before fishing his phone out of his back pocket. “Been trying to reach them, but nobody’s answering.”