Page 136 of Mommy

“Sam.”

“What did he want?”

Yeah, what did he want?

“He found a dog. And he wanted to let us know that…” I throw a sideways glance to where Ivy and Rosemary sit. “That we should go get them.”

I’m emphasizing the last few words as much as I can, hoping Ez will pick up on the hidden meaning.

We could get them.

Them, as in: the one’s responsible.

Samuel sent me his location, and told us to meet him there ASAP if we want to not lose our chance. Again.

We lost it with Posie a bit over a month ago, and the situation in the shelter has gotten worse and worse.

More dogs ending up in the kennels every day. We can’t just do nothing and hope for the best. This opportunity is… unique.

Ezekiel’s head tilts, a little of the psycho in him shining through.

He’s offering.

I give him only a simple nod, but it’s enough to tip his lips up in a grin. Feral for vengeance.

Ready to not let this go.

Just like me.

But first, I want Ivory to be safe and sound.

“Give me ten minutes.” I murmur when he pulls me into a hug. Ezekiel just nods.

“Who’s car we taking?”

“Yours. And call Sam back. Tell him we’re on our way.”

“What about the girls?”

“Yeah, what about us?” I flinch hearing Ivory’s voice even though it’s soft.

Turning I go to tell her that I’m taking Ez for a fun ride, but her eyes— it’s impossible to lie to her. I can’t. I simply can’t lie to those baby blue eyes. Never again.

“There’s a situation…” I say elusively, but that only raises her pale eyebrows higher.

“We could actually use your help.” Ez cuts in, and my head snaps back. The fuck did he just say? If he drags my pregnant girlfriend into this mess I’ll shoot him.

Ezekiel’s grin says that he guessed my thoughts, but isn’t really concerned.

“There’s a dog that needs to get to the shelter. Do you think you could get it?”

I’m still staring daggers, when we leave the house 5 minutes later. Me and Ivory on my bike and Ez and Rosemary in his van.

After turning her into my permanent back pack I installed headsets in both out helmets. That way we can talk while we drive, and I no longer have to guess if she’s doing okay. Unfortunately, that also gives her the option to ask an ungodly amount of questions I can’t answer on our ride to the location Sam sent me.

It isn’t too far away, near one of the wood trails I’ve been scouting for a good month. Close to his vet practice. I try not to ponder on that thought, but it’s hard not to when we find his car parked just a few yards from where I usually leave my bike to wander through the eerie silence of the night.

We wait for Rosemary and Ivy to load the dog into Sam’s old timer, and listen to Sam plead with Peony to leave with them. It takes him a good while, but ultimately she nods hesitantly. The kiss she gives him is anything but hesitant though. Sam has the good wits to end it before I have to. We’re on the clock here. And every moment the girls stay longer, the more dangerous it gets for them.