Page 97 of Havoc

I knew the girls would look in every place possible. They knew this town backward and sideways. In a flash of inspiration, I suddenly knew if Leal was hurt, he’d head to Secrets. It was quieter there and a place he often went with Grim.

I headed for the same entrance I had that night when on the run after killing Matt. I moved quickly through what was left of the construction and pushed on the door the security kept unlocked for their rounds and slipped inside. I paused to listen and turned my phone flashlight on and began to shine it around. The light bounced over the marble flooring. A chill went up my spine as I thought of one of the boys being hurt. It would surely push Grim over the edge, if he hadn’t gone over already. Why would someone do this? My mind went to poor Darcy, and I had to push it all back.

“Leal,” I called quietly. “Leal, are you here, boy?”

Nothing.

I made my way through each room, then at the elevator I spotted a smear on the floor. I bent down. It looked like a wet footprint, small and not from a human. I touched it and shone my light on my finger. Blood.

“Leal?” I tried to use a calm voice so as not to scare him. “I’m here, sweetheart. Leal?”

When I turned the corner into a little alcove, I heard a faint whimper. His eyes lit up in my flashlight. He let out a low growl, and I could see him lift one of his legs.

“Oh, no, poor boy, are you hurt?” I slowly approached and tried to assess the situation; he was scared, and there was a dark stain on his thigh. “Oh, sweet boy, what happened to you?” I quickly tapped Grim’s number on my phone, but I was sent to voicemail.

Shit.

“Grim,” I whispered after the beep, “I’m sure you’ve heard and you’re on your way already. I’ve found Leal at Secrets. He’s…” I paused as the poor pup whimpered at me for help. “I’ll get him home.”

I quickly called Trigger and filled him in. As I waited for our ride, I moved closer to Leal and talked to him quietly. I held out my hand, and he licked it. His poor body shook.

“I won’t leave you,” I promised. “I’ve got you.”

It was Jason who came for us. He hesitated when Leal snarled at him as he got close.

“Hang on.” I took the blanket he carried and carefully covered Leal’s head with it. I talked softly to him while Jason gathered him up. “Be gentle. He’s hurt.” I hurried with them outside and into the car.

“Have you heard anything about Zhar or Darcy?”

“Trigger didn’t tell me anything except to come get you and take you to the vet hospital. Sorry.” He didn’t look happy. “I’m sorry I didn’t see you leave,” he said, white-faced. “Last I saw, you were having dinner with that guy, and I went to grab a coffee. Shit, Jesse’s gonna have my hide.”

“Don’t worry about that right now. Let’s just get him to the vet.” I didn’t have time to feel sorry for the guy.

Leal whined unhappily during the short ride back, and I internally cursed at every red light. It only took about five minutes, but the poor pup had me emotionally strung out by the time the vet met us at the big double doors. I wasn’t surprised that Grim would have an on-call doctor and an assistant waiting to step in.

“Kenna, is he okay?” Jim came up to me as they whisked Leal inside.

“I think so.” I tried to sound in control. “What about the others?”

“Trigger’s still on it but that’s all I know.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Grim just told me what happened and asked if I’d meet you here.” I could see he was a step away from breaking down. “I’m sure it’ll all be okay.”

“It will be,” I assured him as his tired gaze went to the doors Leal had been taken through. “Why don’t you go back to the hotel and get some sleep? I’ll stay with Leal. You can check in at any point, and I promise I’ll answer you.”

“No, I should?—”

“With all due respect, Jim,” I lowered my voice, “you’ve been through the wringer. No one would think anything of it if you went to get some rest. If we’re going to get through all this, we need you well.” I hoped I didn’t cross a line by referring to how ill he seemed. I softened and played one last card. “You should go be with Laurel. No mother should be alone right now, given…”

“Yes,” he cleared his throat, “perhaps I should.” He unexpectedly pulled me into a hug. “Thank you, Kenna.”

“Of course.” I watched him as he left. He looked much older, suddenly, and my heart went out to him as his driver opened the door and he disappeared inside.

I pressed my hands into the wall and took a breath to steady myself.Breathe, Kenna. In and out.I slowly gained control and took in my surroundings. The place had little photos of animals on the walls and shelves of toys and treats. I sat in one of the chairs by the wall and closed my eyes while my mind spun with all that had happened.

Christ, what was the next blow to come? Who would go after Darcy and the boys? What the hell did Benny mean that my father knew Sonny all these years? Had Sonny been watching me, too? Was he behind the attack at the hotel? Could he have anything to do with all this? Holy shit, Grim was going to lose it. It was way too much.

“Hey,” Jason said behind me. “He’s stable. The doc got the bullet out. They’re just stitching him up now. Then they’ll be bringing him back to the hotel. If you want to go now, we can meet them there later.”

“No, thanks, Jason.” I got up and turned toward the doors. There was no way Leal was going to be alone tonight.

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