Page 95 of Mob Bride

“Not enough to have it somewhere you could sit on it every day.”

“True. At least you used a screwdriver to take it off.”

“Did you think I was going to go all Conan the Barbarian and just rip it off?”

We’re bantering a bit because I can tell she’s still terrified but is trying to keep it together. If this helps keep her calm, then I’ll crack jokes all damn day.

“I always thought She-Hulk was kind of hot.”

“Is green your favorite color?”

“It would be if it was on you.”

“What is your favorite color?”

“Sky blue. You?”

“Same actually.”

I step closer, and she drops the chair leg to the floor. I wrap her in my arms, and we simply hold each other. She rests her head against my chest, and I can breathe easier now. She’s where she belongs.

“Daddy, I know you look calm because you had to, but I hear your heart racing. I hate knowing I’m the reason for that, but?—”

“Carrie, I told you, you’re not to blame. This wasn’t your fault.”

“Maybe the situation isn’t, but the raid happened today because they were looking for me, and that’s what’s making your heart race. Even though I know that, it’s still reassuring to have my ear to your chest and hear it. It’s so steady, even if it’s faster than normal. It’s soothing to me.”

“Then you can keep your head there as long as you like. Whatever makes you feel safe, little one.”

“That’s simply being with you. I admit I’m surprised you’re the one who opened the door. I expected it to be Cormac, and I didn’t think it would be so soon after I heard it go quiet.”

“It’s been nearly an hour since they left.”

“I know, but I was certain you’d wait in case they tried to trip you up and come back again.”

“Yeah, Cormac and I straightened up the place while we waited. It wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been. They know my place isn’t a stash house, so they were a little gentler while being so thorough.”

Her eyebrows shoot up.

“They didn’t rip anything apart—” I pointedly look at the chair leg and playfully frown— “Though they got into everything. They hoped to fill the bankers boxes they brought with them, but they left entirely empty-handed. Nothing was in those boxes. They were so arrogant they didn’t bring lids in with them. They thought there’d be enough stuff to fill them to overflowing. I’m certain they intended to take photos and release them. It wouldn’t surprise me if there was at least one reporter waiting out there.

“And if there was, they only got photos of those empty boxes which’ll paint you as the persecuted victim in all of this.”

“Exactly. Blessing in disguise actually, and it’ll chap the other families’ arses if I’m made to look innocent of anything.”

She only nods to that. “Are we staying here?”

“No, we’ll go to Sean’s in just a little. Cormac pulled into my garage, knowing we’d have to use his car to leave later. I’m afraid you’ll have to hide in the back of his SUV to make sure you stay out of sight. He brought that car on purpose. Nobody’s going to force you into a trunk.”

“Maybe not in your family.”

The expression I shoot her now tells her I know that wasn’t part of our banter. I don’t like the idea of Jacek getting to her, and I know that’s exactly who she was thinking of.

“Why are we going to Sean’s rather than somebody else’s?”

“A couple of reasons. Sean’s wife is out of the country right now, so his place is the safest to take you to. Also, since they saw Cormac here with me today, his place is out of the question since there’s a strong chance they’ll try to search there next, assuming he’ll hide stuff for me. The other reason is your parents are there. The police tried to question them.”

“What?”

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