Page 29 of Wizard's Spitfire

“After we called you, a bunch of thugs surrounded the car,” Lucia says, her voice shaking.

I reach out and take her hand in mine.

“What happened after that?”

“A few had bats. They threatened to break the windows and come in after us if we didn't come out. One of them broke out the headlights right before Wizard and the Kings showed up,” Francesca adds.

“Did they just leave when the King’s showed up?” I ask.

“Shortly afterwards,” Wizard says. “Can I see the address your dad gave you?”

“Sure. He sent it in a text, but it’s not Dad’s fault the car broke down,” Valentina says handing Wizard her phone.

“Is anything Dad’s fault according to you?” Lucia huffs.

“Girls, let’s not get into an argument about your father. That being said, you won’t be going to his house for the foreseeable future. Gambit, is there a place the girls can stay while we have a conversation?”

Hurl runs into the room with a piece of paper in his hand. He runs straight to Gambit.

“Prez, I found this on Charlie's floorboard. I think you’re going to want to see it.”

Chapter 17

Wizard

Red and Brick take the girls to their apartment to eat and watch a movie while we talk. Gambit held onto the paper until after the girls were gone. As soon as they’re gone, he turns to Charlie and hands her the paper.

“Any idea where this came from?”

“I found it on my windshield. Haven’t had time to read it.”

I stand behind Charlie, looking over her shoulder as she reads the paper.

Stop looking into Lola Biaz

Or they’re next.

Below the writing is a picture of the triplets. Someone had taken a black marker and put x’s over their eyes. I watch the paper start to shake. I step up and pull Charlie into my arms. Her breath rate increases until I’m concerned, she’s having a panic attack.

I gently turn her, lifting her chin until our eyes meet.

“Breathe slowly. You’re not in this alone, Spitfire.”

“I called church,” Gambit says. “We have a few more members on the way, Charlie. We’ll figure this out.

She keeps shaking. I pick her up and put her on my lap and rub small circles on her back.

“My brothers and I won’t let anything happen to you, the girls, Regina, or Pops.”

She nods her head. A tattooed hand thrusts a glass in front of her face. I look up to see Doc.

“Drink this. Doctor’s orders.”

“Thanks, brother.”

He smiles, and winks before taking a seat next to us. Charlie takes a sip before throwing it back in one long gulp.

“Someone else needs to drive us home,” she says, placing the glass on the table.

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