There were none.
It was just as well because, at this point, I didn’t even know who I would call.
I had no one in California.
Braxton watched me silently from his spot in the corner. I looked over at him. “We’re going to be okay.”
“Okay,” he responded quietly.
He took his shaky hands into his lap, and I watched him for a beat before I sat back against the wall.
“Tell me, do you have any plans for the summer?”
He shot me a look like he thought I was crazy for even talking about summer plans in this situation.
I just looked at him expectantly.
He let out a small sigh. “I’m not sure. Just play video games with Alvin, I guess.”
“Your family isn’t taking any vacations?”
He shook his head. “No. Dad’s job doesn’t really give him a lot of free time.”
I didn’t say anything right away. I didn’t know how much Braxton knew about his father’s job, but with the way he didn’t seem all that surprised that those men were targeting him because of his dad must say something.
“Well, if you did have the chance, where would you like to go?” I asked.
“New Zealand.”
I blinked before a small smile overtook my face. “Why New Zealand?”
“My aunt lives there,” he said quietly.
“Are you close with her?”
“Used to be. We haven’t talked in a while since… never mind.”
I nodded but didn’t pry. Obviously, that was a sensitive topic.
I looked back out the window, and when there was no movement from the outside, I said, “Well, I’ve heard nothing but great things about New Zealand. I might want to go there also someday.”
“Why don’t you go there this summer?” he asked, smiling a little.
I smiled as well. “Ah, it’s an expensive trip.”
“Oh.”
I didn’t think Braxton ever had to deal with money—or lack of it. I was sure the notorious motorcycle club brought in a lot of money each year—illegal and otherwise.
It was common knowledge that Dominic owned a lot of the businesses in Sacramento.
“Someday, okay?” I said. “We’ll both get our chance to see that country. Yeah?”
His shoulders relaxed a little, and he moved closer to me. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and held him.
“Yeah,” he said with a sigh.
Two hours passed, and I thought we might be safe, but then I saw movement from the corner of my eye. I looked out the window, my heart thudding heavily in my chest, when I saw one of the men from the car heading this way.
