Page 68 of Guarded By Them

Frankie looked toward Ryan and Kodee. “You can both go back to your apartment and get to work. I trust you won’t be going anywhere, and if you try anything, your friend will find a bullet in his skull.”

“What about Joe Nettie’s men?” Kodee said, his tone curt. I knew he was going to be as worried about Dillon as I was, but he also knew trying to do anything about that now wasn’t going to help matters. “Aren’t they going to come looking for us at our apartment?”

“No, they think you’re long gone. You’d be idiots to come back. But just in case, I’ll make sure I have someone watching the building.”

Ryan’s eyes narrowed. “We’re unarmed. You’ve taken our weapons.”

He snorted. “And you won’t be getting them back again.”

“So, we’ll be defenseless if someone does decide to come for us.”

“Should have thought of that before you decided to take Rue and run.”

Kodee yanked his shoulder forward, trying to dislodge the man beside him. “Fuck.”

“And don’t even think about trying to be heroes and attempt to grab Rue back. If we get so much as a hint that you’re plotting something, your friend will die. Do you understand?”

Kodee glared down at the floor. “Understood,” he muttered.

“Louder,” he demanded. “I want to be sure there’s no misunderstandings.

Kodee lifted his gaze. “Understood!”

“And you?” Frankie directed his question at Ryan.

“Yeah, understood,” Ryan replied, his jaw rigid, his lips thinned.

“Then get to work. I’ve plenty to throw your way.”

“What about Rue?” Kodee dared ask.

Frankie turned to me with a snide smile. “Rue can get back to work as well. We’ve missed having her around here.”

“No,” Ryan cried in horror. “She’s done with all of that!”

“That’s not for you to decide.”

Tears filled my eyes, and I shook my head at the guys. “It’s okay. I can handle it.”

“Good.” Frankie said then directed attention toward his men. “Now, get them out of here.”

As Kodee and Ryan were dragged from the room, leaving me behind, I couldn’t help but wonder...

Perhaps I could handle it, but could they?

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THE END...

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