Page 54 of Property of Whiskey

“Kaylee, I’m Bullet.”

He lowers himself until he’s below her eye line instead of looming over her.

She stares at him.

“I know that sounds pretentious. My mama ain’t responsible.”

Under any other circumstances, I’d laugh.

Kaylee’s mouth moves.

Bullet edges closer but doesn’t touch her.

“You’re bleeding pretty good. We’ve got blankets in the van. Can I help you?”

She looks at me.

I nod once.

“He’s an asshole, but he won’t hurt you.”

Bullet gives me a look. “Helpful.”

Kaylee whispers, “Okay.”

Twila watches the whole exchange.

Bullet doesn’t grab Kaylee. Doesn’t rush her. He waits until she puts one hand on his shoulder before he lifts her.

Her face twists in pain.

Twila steps forward. “Wait.”

I block her path.

“She needs medical attention.”

“No shit.”

“Then uncuff me.”

“Still no.”

“I can help her.”

“So can we.”

“You’re suspects.”

Bullet carries Kaylee toward the van.

I look at Twila. “She your witness or a woman bleeding out?”

“Both.”

“Then start acting like the second matters more.”

Her mouth opens, then closes when Kaylee shifts painfully beneath the blanket.