Oklahoma City was small compared to Vegas. It was quiet and serene. Too quiet. There wasn’t enough noise to drown out the thoughts that plagued me.
Finding Dr. Jefferson was easy. She was a well-known psychologist. Her office sat in the heart of the city, making her easy to observe.
Sitting in a coffee shop across the street, I watched as she carried Val’s granddaughter into her office every day. Then in the afternoon, she carried her out. I followed as they went to the parks, the museums, and the zoo.
Until one day she rushed out of her office and never went back. We had been on the road for almost two weeks when she made her way into Vegas.
Slyce, Magyk, and Syrena met me at the small diner outside of the city. I needed to make contact and find out why she’d run. Once she ordered, I made my way to her table.
My looks and happy demeanor meant I was the best option for making contact. People saw me as cute, unassuming. If only they knew what was constantly running through my head.
“Good morning. What a beautiful little girl.”
Dr. Jefferson looked up at me. Her eyes were cautious but friendly.
“Thank you.”
“I’m Kytten.” I held out my hand, leaving her obligated to take it. Once she let go, I sat down and waited.
“Mama.”
Ignoring the question in my eyes, she pulled the little girl into her lap. I knew she wasn’t her mother, but I also knew it was safer to maintain the ruse if they were hiding.
Val wasn’t my mother, but she’d been the closest thing I had since mine disappeared. I watched as a tear slid down the doctor’s cheek and I reached out.
“I can help.”
She looked at the little girl and hesitated. I thought for sure she would open up until she didn’t.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Whatever you’re running from. I can help. It’s what we do.” I looked back at the others.
“I’m not running,” she insisted, shaking her head to emphasize the lie.
I nodded. There was nothing else I could say. I couldn’t reveal who I was or how I knew she was running. That would only scare her further.
“Here,” I said, sliding a card across the table. “If you need help, call. We’ll come. Anywhere you are.”
Walking back to where the others sat, I pretended to eat while I watched to see what she would do. She didn’t leave right away like I expected. She finished her breakfast with the little girl.
Once I knew they were done, I quickly went outside, letting the others settle the bill. I didn’t want the doctor to see me leave after she did. Getting on my bike, I pulled out of the lot to a spot on the main road. With my helmet covering my face, I let the bike idle while I waited.
When the others came outside, they quickly got on their bikes, heading in three different directions from me. Since we all knew these roads well, someone would spot her destination, allowing me to follow her without her realizing it.
Over the past two weeks, while I had been following them, I hadn’t needed these precautions. Making contact today was a risk, but I needed to assess her demeanor.
She was scared. That much was clear. What she was afraid of, I wasn’t sure. Aside from me, I had seen no one following her. So, if there was someone, they were damn good.
Chapter Two
Cash
February 2025, Diamond Creek Nebraska.
“Can I have everyone’s attention?” Jack shouted, taking Sam’s hand in his. They were so fucking happy. Seeing them together only reminded me of what I had lost. Or at least what I thought I’d lost.
“We had a doctor’s appointment today for another ultrasound. The doctor said Sammy was measuring a little big, and they wanted to take another look.”
