Page 101 of A Little Naughty

Human smugglers—Dock 3, Rockbrook Port, Harris truck line. Bring backup—NOW!

I don’t know if any of that will make sense to him or if I’m even using the right words. I only know I can’t stick around to find out.

A cramp pierces my side as I run uphill to my bike hidden in the trees. Throwing my injured leg over the seat, I kick the ignition and hit full-throttle. Roaring down the hill, I don’t stop when I see the men at the bottom, waiting to block me.

They can’t touch me at this speed, but it’s not over. Bill knows where we live, and when Aiden shows up with the cavalry, he’ll know I tipped them off. It’s just after four, and I’m pushing with all my might to get to her before he does.

The highway shines with dew, and I lean forward into the handlebars. My knee throbs, but I feel him right behind me. Glancing over my shoulder, I don’t see headlights. I feel the buzz in my pocket, and I know it’s either Aiden or Bull. I don’t see flashing lights.

I only see Jemima’s sweet face waiting at home alone with a gun she doesn’t know how to shoot.

I’m afraid it all makes sense now. I’m afraid I know the truth, and Nikki’s mom is long gone… We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. If we get to it. If I make it to my destination in time.

If I make it home before him.

Cutting the engine as I approach Eureka, I cruise around the back way, following First Street and coming up from behind in case he’s waiting for me out front. Leaving my bike beside the small shed at the edge of the trees, I wince when I put weight on my leg, but I don’t have time for that pain.

My throat is tight as I slip from shadow to shadow, getting closer to the cottage. I take out my phone and quickly tap out a text.

I’m here. I’m coming in the back door. Don’t be afraid. Don’t shoot.

Aiden

Omw, troopers alerted. Sending Ben to check on Jemima.

Bill was there. I’m back in Eureka, but I don’t know where he is now.

Jemima

Is that you?

Everything changes when I see her question. It’s not me.

Running up the path to the house, I vaguely notice Porkchop isn’t chasing me, but I don’t have time to look for him. My boots hit the wooden steps at the same time the sound of gunshots blast through the night.

“Fuck,” I shout, turning the key in the lock and falling inside like someone shoved me.

“Raif?” Jemima shrieks as she runs to where I’m lying on my side in the doorway.

Pain radiates through my torso, and I push with my boot against the floor to get all the way inside the house.

“Get down!” My voice is ragged.

Another shot rings out, but I manage to clear my legs and push the door closed with my foot. Jemima is on her knees beside me, her hands flying from my face to my shoulders to my side where blood pulses out with every heartbeat.

Fuck, I’m going to bleed out if we don’t do something.

“What do I do?” Her voice shakes, and my gun is in her hand.

“Call 9-1-1, get me towels… Put pressure on it.” I’m fading fast, and I hear the sound of footsteps on the porch outside.

The door’s not locked, and Jemima has run to the kitchen to do what I said. I’m lying on the floor, panic racing through my veins as the wooden door starts to open.

“Gun, Jemima…” My voice is a gasp, and I brace my foot against the wooden barrier. I’m getting weaker by the second, and I force a shout that comes out as more of a groan. “Give me the gun!”

It’s too late. Bill is standing over me, eyes flashing with rage behind a mask of death. “That’s the last time you fuck with me, boy.”

He doesn’t hesitate, raising the gun to my face.

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