I turn down the temperature on dinner to keep it warm and take Ayla into the office where most of her toys are. We work on DaDa with his pictures, and I’ve heard Sayer say Papa, for Paul so we work on that as well.
Bella walks into the room then out. The second time she does it, Stone sits up ears forward. Walking over to the office door I watch her. She’s literally pacing every room on the floor. When I turn back, Stone is standing in front of Ayla. Rushing forward I make sure the door is locked, then check the one at the back of the house.
Hand shaking, I pull my phone and try to call Sayer. But nothing happens. I text Jarrett.
Gentry: I think something’s wrong. Bella is acting funny.
Jarrett: I know. Are the doors locked?
Gentry: Yes
Jarrett: Windows?
Gentry: Shit. Forgot to check.
Jarrett: Leave them. Stay in the office. Get under the desk. Stone is with you?
Gentry: Yes. Should I get Bella?
Jarrett: No. She knows. Stay quiet.
It feels like forever, but it’s only been ten minutes. I hear what sounds like glass breaking. Then a gunshot in the distance and a yelp.
Gentry: Window broke.
Jarrett: Stay down.
Tears threaten to choke me. It’s Greg. He’s after me. Maybe if I give myself up, he’ll leave the dogs and Ayla alone. He may never even notice her if I do this right.
“Ayla, sweetie,” I whisper at her ear. “Quiet. Stay with Stone until Dada comes. Shh. Stay. No talk.”
Like she rarely ever does I remind myself. I crawl out from under the desk and point to Stone. I swear he gives me a frown but takes position in front of Ayla.
The only thing I can find for a weapon is Paul’s knife-style letter opener. I cross to the conference table, drawing attention from the desk. I sit like I’m working and not aware of any issues.
Greg throws the door open and storms in, followed by Clive and another guy I don’t know.
“You bitch. You really think you can take me on and win? I’m an Archer. We own this fucking town. When I’m done with you, you’ll be begging me to kill you. Just like your sister.”
“My sister?” I push to my feet. “What did you do to my sister? Where is she?”
“Her and her little bitches thought they could shake me down. I played along. Gave them a couple 8 balls. They left, got happy, and I gave them to some guys who liked to play rough. Won’t be seeing them again.
“You, I’m gonna take care of myself. I can’t wait to hear you scream.”
He glances to the guy I don’t know. “Find the kid. She’s little enough we can sell her.”
I grip the letter opener. I’ll only get one chance. I’m sure Jarrett and the other dogs are on the way.
CHAPTER 17
Sayer
“This is fucking bullshit and you know it, Tate. It’s Greg and his crew. First, I catch Clive and JonBoy stealing and your officer basically calls my foreman and me the liars. Say’s there’s not enough proof and won’t even write anything up.
“I fire Clive and JonBoy and half hour after every one has left for the day, they’re back here stealing and trashing the job like they’re protected. Thank fuck, Denny forgot his lunch box with his meds or who knows how much damage there’d be.
“And where the hell is your crime team? It’s been almost an hour.”
