Page 57 of Once A Crime Lord

“What else can I do?”

“Let Gavin do what he’s gonna do and hope it’s over quickly.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Lyla, Gavin grew up in the underworld. He doesn’t have morals.”

“I can’t let him kill Jonathan.”

Carmen sighed. “Let me take Nora and let you catch some z’s.”

“Are you sure?” she asked as her eyes closed.

“Yeah. You’re going to need your strength to face Gavin after he’s been sedated.”

Carmen bounced Nora on her hip as she walked to the door. “Your mama’s crazy, baby girl. This world isn’t for the faint of heart. Did I tell you about the time I watched my dad blow this guy’s brains out? I think I was seven.”

“Carmen!” she groaned.

“Nora needs to know these things.”

“At four months?”

“The earlier, the better. Her dad’s Gavin fucking Pyre. She’s going to know how to shoot a gun before she’s six years old.”

She burrowed under the covers and moaned when her phone rang, but after a quick look at the screen, she answered, “Hey, Alice.”

“Oh, my God! Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Are you?”

“Yes. Did you leave before the shooting?”

“During. Blade got me out.”

“And he’s okay as well?”

“Yes.”

Alice let out a breath. “Janice and I have been worried sick. It’s madness here.”

“Has anyone been hurt?” she asked, clutching the phone, waiting for the inevitable discovery of the hospital director.

“I’m not sure. We’re still trying to account for everyone. I wanted to make sure you were okay. Your phone was off earlier.”

“I know. My battery died. I’m sorry.” She hesitated. “Is there anything I can do?”

“No. You coming today was great. I just hate that something like this had to ruin it. I have to go. Thanks for everything you did. It meant a lot to me.”

Before she could respond, Alice hung up. She dropped her face on the pillow and moaned. If she hadn’t come, none of this would’ve happened.

10

Lyla

“Lyla.”

A hand shook her shoulder. She grunted and blinked at Blade.

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