Page 59 of Property of Whiskey

Bullet loses it.

Actually turns away laughing.

I glare at him. “Help the girl.”

“I am.”

Twila looks entirely too pleased with herself.

I hate that I like her more for it.

“Van,” I say.

“No.”

I slide one arm behind her knees.

Her eyes widen.

“Don’t you fucking dare.”

Too late. I lift her.

She’s tall enough that the move ain’t graceful. Her shoulder hits mine, the cuffs dig against my forearm, and she immediately starts kicking.

“Put me down!” She twists violently enough that I nearly lose my grip.

“Goddammit.”

“I told you I can walk.”

“Then quit trying to make us both eat dirt.”

“I hope you eat dirt.”

“Charming.”

I set her on her feet at the rear doors of the van.

She immediately turns away.

I block her.

“Get in.”

“No.”

“Kaylee’s in there.”

That stops her. She looks inside.

Kaylee lies beneath the blanket while Bullet keeps pressure against her side. Her eyes are closed.

“Kaylee?”

The girl opens them.

Barely.