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Think, think, think!

I stare down at Havoc's wide head and watchful eyes before my gaze goes to his spike-studded collar. My hands shake as I pull up Lawson's name in my contacts.

Hey. Does Havoc have a pink collar?

I send the text, wondering if Lawson has his phone handy and will hear it chime or if he won't see it until morning. Either way, I don't know what else to do that won't endanger Sully.

I stare at the door, knowing without a doubt that there are men outside who won't allow me to leave alone. How am I going to do this? There isn't time to figure out much of a plan.

Hoping Lawson and the guards will be smart enough to talk and piece together what’s happening, I unlock and open the front door. The moment I do, I hear a set of boots hitting the porch floor.

"What's wrong?" the man asks.

"Havoc needs a walk."

"I’ll take him."

"No need." I lift the leash.

"Sully wants us to keep an eye on you."

"So keep an eye on us,” I say. “Just don’t…follow too close.”

I head down the steps before he can argue, my body shaking from the urge to scream at him that Sully's hurt and needs help. But given all that Thad has done? I don't doubt his threat to do something worse.

Lawson is my answer. The Saints trailing me.

Lawson will know I need help. Contact the guards to ask what’s happening. He'll be discreet. He'll know what to do.

Please let him see the text.

I’m so lost in my thoughts I barely notice my guard now speaking to someone in a low voice. I peek at the house and see my guard on the phone. He watches me and matches me step for step.

I hold his gaze as I hear him tell the person on the phone that I’m on the move. I nod and keep walking, aware that my shadows now follow at a careful distance. Sully doesn't live far from the bar as the crow flies. Only a few blocks away.

One more block and we'll be there.

I hear a persistent beeping ahead and recognize it as the new security alarm. Sully's truck is parked right outside the door, but there's no sign of him.

Inside, I remind myself, thinking of the photo Thad sent. Before I enter the alley, I open my phone and see that Lawson has put a thumb’s up on my text. I don’t allow myself to relax though. Instead, I press the microphone to record and shove my phone back into my pocket.

I take a few steps into the alley and think I feel eyes on me. But is it Thad? Or my guards?

I take a breath, heart pounding in my chest as I twist Havoc's leash around my fist like the wraps I use at Safe Harbor before bending and releasing the dog.

I take my first step into the alley, and Havoc's compact body presses against my leg like he knows what we face.

Maybe he does. Dogs sense danger, don't they?

His ears are up. His shoulders tight. A low vibration rolls through him that I feel more than hear. "Easy," I whisper.

The warning is for both of us.

I have to keep my head. I have to focus. Stay alert. Remember Lawson's training.

A shadow moves near the dumpster, and for one stupid, hopeful second, I think it might be Sully. That he's on his feet, unharmed. Sully will be furious I’m here, but I look forward to that fight. Because it'll mean he’s okay.

A shadow steps into the glow spilling from the security light above.