Page 72 of Black Bird

“Miss Vintorri …”his voice was hollowed out by the surging lull in her head.“Are you hurt? Miss Vintorri …”Wren could only stare at him. She was frozen in shock. He took the gun from her hands, and she leaned over toward him. He must have expected it. He backed away quickly and she vomited all over the street.

Rhaena had just poured her second cup of coffee and was just about to pick up her phone to call Athan when the phone started buzzing on the counter. She answered.

“Hey, I was just about to call and see if you two want—”

“Rhaena, go get Sarah from my place. Now.”

She stilled, dread pooling in her gut. “What happened?”

“Wren was followed on her way to pick Sarah up. She killed the guy.”

“What?!”

“Sarah’s at my apartment by herself. I need you to go get her. Give her something to wear and bring her to the precinct.”

“Where are you?”

“I was almost at the club when Wren called.”

“Dahlia?”

“Yeah …”

“What were you gonna do, Kane?”

He was quiet for a moment.“Meet me at the precinct. Please take care of her, Rhaena.”

“I’ve got it. We’ll see you in a few.”

Call ended.

Rhaena, thankfully already dressed, ran to her room and grabbed something warm for Sarah. It wasn’t something she’d likely ever choose towear, but at least she’d be comfortable. She grabbed her gun and her bag, making a tumbler full of black coffee and snapping the lid on before rushing out the door. She decided against letting herself in as she’d done a thousand times before. Rhaena knocked softly.

The locks slid open, and Sarah answered, her face sagging in relief when she saw her standing there. “Hey.” She smirked, opening the door.

“You alright?” Rhaena asked, walking in and setting the clothes on the kitchen table. She turned as Sarah closed the door and handed her the tumbler.

“Yeah, I thought you’d be Wren. I’m waiting for—”

“Wren’s not coming,” Rhaena said softly. The panic that raised in Sarah’s bright eyes made her wince. “I’m taking you to see her.”

“What do you mean? She’s not—no …” Sarah backed up, and Rhaena realized then that she was assuming the worst.

“No, no … she’s safe. She’s at the 12th. There was an incident. She’s gonna need you. I brought you some clothes. Get changed and hurry up.”

Sarah sighed heavily in relief, closing her eyes, and grabbing the clothes. Maybe the girl had zero fucks left at this point, or maybe she was too worried to care, but Rhaena watched her come out of that shirt and boxers on her way into the living room. While she pulled the sports bra on, the fitted long sleeved red top and the black leggings … Rhaena swore she caught the familiar scent of sex in that apartment. She tried not to smirk.

“What size shoes do you wear?” she asked, looking toward the dishes in the kitchen sink.

“Eight,” Sarah called from the living room.

“These run a little small, but they should do for now until we can get some shit from your place.” Rhaena brought her in a pair of fur lined black boots that came just below the knee. “They’re eight and a half.”

Sarah pulled the dark gray athletic hoodie over her head and slipped her feet into the boots. “What happened?” she asked, tying her hair in a messy knot on top of her head.

“Athan called. He said Wren called him on her way out and she was being followed. All he told me is that she killed the guy. I don’t know much else.”

Sarah froze. “What?” she said breathlessly, her mouth held open. “Was she hurt?”

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