Nodding her head, she slows her breathing. Knowing that she’s actively trying to calm herself fills me with pride. I know she doesn’t believe it, but she truly is a strong woman. She can make it through this, I know she can.
“That’s my good girl,” I praise, caressing her cheeks withthe pads of my thumbs. “I’m going to be blunt about this, this is going to be like ripping off a bandage. Sam is behind me, lying on the floor. Sam is dead. I have killed him.”
A sharp gasp leaves her lips, she tries to shake her face from my hands. I resist for a moment, but ultimately let them fall away, knowing she needs some type of agency right now.
“What? You…youkilledhim?” she squeaks incredulously.
Nodding my head, I reach for her discarded pants and panties that lay beside me on the floor. I know I must tell her what has happened, but I also know that we need to leave her apartment sooner, rather than later. Even with my connections, we are in a little bit of a pickle.
“I did, Princess. When I came in he was…well…he was about to hurt you. And you know I couldneverlet that happen. So…I beat him. Severely. Enough to where his body just…gave up,” I say, showing her her panties and helping her into them one leg at a time.
“Oh, God…you…youbeathim. Like you did in the alley?” she asks.
Her words make me physically halt. I stare at her shocked face. I have no idea what Sam has told her, but I already don’t like this.
“No. I beat him in the alley because he swung at me first. I beat him here because he was about to rape you, Dolly. Bothjustified reasons. There’s no way I would let him hurt you. I willneverlet anyone hurt you, Dolly. You are the only thing in this world that I love, that I cherish, it is my job to be your protector,” I say, my voice steady and sincere.
Huffing an odd laugh that morphs into a sob, her body starts to tremble. I’m not exactly sure why she’s responding the way she is, but shock is a crazy thing. Trying my best to keep her from falling completely apart, I keep my expression neutral as I tell her our next steps.
“Princess, I’m going to help you get dressed and then I need to make a phone call. As soon as I’m done, we need to go back home. Ok? I know there is a lot we have to discuss, but we need to get out of here pretty damn soon.”
Her swollen eyes fall to her lap; I watch as she nervously fidgets with her fingers. Her shoulders shake in time with her pained cries, making her appear so incredibly fragile. After a good thirty seconds, she nods her head. Lifting her gaze, she looks at my face. While she doesn’t meet my eyes, I’m relieved that she feels secure enough to look at me. I haven’t lost her. I won’t lose her.
“Ok,” she whispers.
“You’re such a strong woman, Dolly. I admire you so much. We will get through this, ok?” I promise.
“Ok,” she repeats.
Taking a breath, I continue with my task. I know I won’thear much from her until we get back to the condo, and I’m ok with that. A little silence will help me prepare for what will happen when I tell her everything.
Shaking the anxiety from my mind, I help her into her sweatpants next. Working them onto her left leg, and then her right, she allows me the privilege of dressing her. Lifting her bottom from the cushion, I pull the grey fabric up onto her hips to cover her panties.
“Dolly, what shoes were you wearing, my love?” I ask.
“My pink flip flops.”
Turning my head from side to side, I scan the space looking for her shoes. Finding them sticking out from under Sam’s lifeless body, I pull them free. Giving them a once-over, I’m relieved to see that they are free from blood and tissue. With a grin, I ease her flip flops onto her feet.
“Ok, there you are, Princess. You’re all dressed. I’m going to make a phone call, and then we will go. You might hear me say some pretty weird things, but everything is ok.”
“Ok,” she replies flatly.
She still won’t meet my eyes, I’m not trying to read too much into it. Exhaling through my nose, I reach into my pocket for my cell. It’s been years since I’ve had to call Harrison for a non-sanctioned cleanup. I know this will cost a pretty penny, but I will gladly pay whatever he asks. Ridding the world of this motherfucker is worth it.
Pulling Harrison’s contact information, I quickly tap the “call” button. Bringing my phone to my ear, I wait impatiently for him to answer. He normally speaks to Mama, he might not even realize who he is talking to. Knowing he won’t say the first word, I start my grisly order.
“Hi, I’d like to order one extra-large pepperoni pizza with a side of cinnamon sticks.”
“Name and address,”he replies dryly.
“The Tycoon. One five five six seven Sunset Avenue. Apartment one-oh-four. Building c. Oak Cliff.”
“The Tycoon?”
“Yes, Sir.”
He laughs.
