Page 127 of Praying for Thunder

Maybe she was setting me up.

Either way, I took the child, who claimed she had no parents, and placed her in the most caring arms I knew. In a secret location, Moola held me so tight. “All grown,” she cried. “My baby is all grown now.”

This ‘all grown man’ wanted to cry also. He wanted to go with her… But I stood tall and smiled. “Now I have another baby I need you to love the same way you loved me.”

Peering up at me, tears streamed down her face that, aging, only made her more beautiful. “Don’t say loved. It is present and real.”

My lips fidgeted as I fought bubbling emotions. “You’re right. And the same goes for me.”

I was yanked into another embrace. “I’m so proud of you.”

My façade cracked as I buried my face in her neck. “It’s a lot.”

She held me tighter. “I know, baby, but you are so strong. Even when you don’t believe that. You are a life warrior. She’d be so proud of you, too. And now, her death wasn’t in vain.”

A sob escaped me, but I got control of it. “Thank you.” In her ear, I said, “My gut says this girl is Rya’s family, somehow.”

Still holding me, she nodded. “That means she is now part of my family, too.”

Relief oozed from me.

Somehow, someway, I was going to make sure this girl and Rya found each other.

With sorrow, I let Moola go, so she could save lives, too.

TWENTY-ONE

NEVER LETTING EAGLES GO

Lives intertwining is like a mystical web, connecting us all, on one level or another. Which string of silk is safe, and which is dangerous? For that matter, could you misread the silk altogether? What some view as a betrayal can be viewed as a blessing to others. Chubs thought he was evil for killing, but that little girl only saw a savior.

“Have you heard anything?” asked Chubs. “How is she?”

Fresh out of the shower, I sighed, teetering on how to handle his overwhelming, and never-ending, concern. “You know I can’t talk to them often.”

In my room, while I got dressed, he paced. “Fuck. What is wrong with me?”

“You took three lives and saved one, all in one night. That’s gotta take a toll—”

“But, you think she’s okay?”

Feeling drained, I rubbed a palm down my face. “I left her in the safest of hands.”

Moola had helped Tiny Cherry after her attack. She had helped my Ani. I knew she could help the little girl, too. And I knew Diesel would keep them both safe.

Hearing the new deadbolt on my door unlock, we both turned.

As soon as Tabi saw me, her expression grew concerned. She quickly shut the door behind her, even though we were the only ones home. “Are you sick?” I assumed she was talking to Chubs, but she came to me, touching my face. “You’re clammy.”

Brushing her hands away because I was tired and on edge for some unknown reason, I reached for my boots. “Just worried for Chubs and the girl.” I tried to shake off an achy feeling. “Any updates?”

Tabi had gone to contact her team. I was hoping they had information that could lead me to what I needed to do next. I had run out of options. It felt like I’d never convince Onus to trust me.

Her gazing at her feet made my stomach twist. Slipping into my cut, I asked, “What is it?”

She stuttered, “I-I’m not quite sure—”

A vibrating sound stopped her. It was a hidden burner phone.