Page 102 of Anchored to the Storm

“Letti?” asked Styx as we took a corner on two wheels.

Letti was glued to his phone. “Possible false alarm, but two male shadows are walking down the street toward the Weathers’.”

From over the back of his seat, Peacemaker explained, “To save lives, yes, nine-one-one, if no other choice, but the Weathers’ is a livewire of illegal shit. A boy buried in the backyard⁠—”

I crossed my arms and sat back, so frustrated. “And a no-identity little girl.”

Trying to do right by loved ones, we’d trapped ourselves with the law.

Peacemaker nodded. “And of-age kids who are old enough to be charged for involvement. We call? Except for Bluebell being rehomed, the rest of them are facing hard time. And Dale knows it.”

Fuck!

I felt like I was on a merry-go-round. For the second time this night and into the early morning, we were racing to help this certain group of very important people. “Can we at least text Dale for a heads-up?”

Styx delivered a quick nod. “Approved. Peacemaker?”

“Heard.”

While Peacemaker texted Dale, Letti kept giving updates. “Snooping around front yard. Triggered security lights. Now scurrying.”

“Still only two?”

“Correct.”

Peacemaker informed me, “Avenger, ex-Seal, can handle any two with his eyes closed.”

Letti said, “On side of house. Still a pair.”

“Enemies haven’t separated.” Peacemaker wanted me to learn their lingo, and I appreciated it.

“I think they have cutters,” warned Letti.

“Goddamnit!” roared Styx. “Cocky.”

Peacemaker did scissors with his hand. “Taking out power.”

Cocky was already pulling his phone to his ear. “Veng, about to be blind.”

Peacemaker opened his mouth, but I nodded. He’s giving Avenger an update.

Letti hit the dashboard. “Feed dead.”

Cocky told Avenger, “Dead feed, brother. Watch your back.”

Styx found me in his rearview mirror. “See the need for solar and generators?”

I felt sick to my stomach while I nodded.

“Peace?” asked Styx.

“At this speed, fifteen minutes out.”

“Cocky?”

He answered Styx, “Venge is three minutes out.”

Styx throttled the steering wheel. “No threats until now? After all these years?”