Page 55 of The Devil's Dilemma

“Why isn’t it safe? I still have this.” I pulled out the casino chip and held it up for him.

“That only keeps you safe from me. The angel mark gives you no more protection. I spoke to a friend, and he confirmed it.”

I opened my mouth, ready to argue more, but Conrad stepped into the kitchen. His huge stature made it seem smaller than it already was.

“We need to move. We’ve got company. A group of guys in the street, but I don’t think they know exactly which house we’re in.”

“Is there a way out if we go out the back door?”

“Yes, there’s a gate at the bottom of the garden. It leads to an alleyway that runs behind the houses.”

“Then we need to take it. Now.”

My heart tripled in speed. What of Grandpa? Would he be safe?

As if reading my mind, Dante touched my face.

“We’ll keep him safe. They’ll not know we were here. I promise.”

I had to believe him, and reluctantly I nodded. “Don’t let anyone hurt him. He’s all I have left.”

“I know. Go with Conrad. I’ll follow shortly.”

“Can’t I say goodbye?”

“Just go, Austin.”

How was I putting so much trust in him after all he’d said and done? But what was it Momma had said?

Trust in yourself and trust him.

“Okay. Look after him.”

Conrad hustled me out the door, and we ran. Down the garden, out of the gate, and through the alleyway. All the while, he checked behind us, making sure we weren’t followed.

Doors opened on a waiting car, and he shoved me in. I landed in a heap, and we sped away.

“Keep down.”

And that was what I did until the door opened again, and Conrad dragged me out of the car and into the casino.

This was where I was staying, then.

I had a lot to think about. A lot to talk about. It felt like this was the beginning of a new chapter of my life. One I was barely qualified to live, but for her sake, for Momma’s sake. I’d do what I could to survive.

Chapter thirteen

Dante

I’d expected Austin toreturn home, so I wasn’t shocked when he walked through the door.

Iwassurprised we’d been found so quickly, but Conrad knew what to do, and I watched with mild apprehension as he and Austin left via the back door and disappeared from view.

That left me with Stan.

“Where’ve they gone?” He shuffled into the kitchen.

“Nothing to concern yourself about. Can you tell me where Austin’s room is? I need to grab a few things for him. He’s coming to stay with me for a few days.”

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