Page 91 of Doc's Decision

It warrants a laugh from Seraphina, but it isn’t a genuine one.

She’s worried and we can all see it clear as day.

As we head for the doors, weaving through the party crowd, I have a bad feeling twisting in my gut.

Something isn’t right.

I just hope the old man didn't fall and break a hip or some shit.

The last thing Sera needs is more pain in her life.

I swing my leg over my bike, Mandy climbing on behind me.

Sera hops on the back of Turmoil's.

We take off into the night, the Vegas lights blurring by as we roar down the highway, heading for the old man's gated community.

I grip the handlebars tighter, jaw clenched, as that sense of dread deepens in my bones.

We pull up to the sprawling mansion and there aren’t any lights on.

Odd, I’m certain he probably has a light or two on out front, or even in the back at all times.

I cut the engine, head swiveling, taking a hard look at the place.

It's too damn quiet.

There’s not even any staff bustling around.

"Doc..." Mandy's voice is tight with worry behind me as she climbs off the bike.

I'm already striding toward the front door, Turmoil and Sera on my heels.

I don't bother knocking, just test the knob.

It's unlocked.

The heavy wood swings open with an ominous creak.

Sera calls out, her voice echoing in the dark foyer. "Grandpa?"

No answer.

Turmoil pulls his gun from his waistband. I do the same. "We'll check it out," I mutter to the girls. "Stay put."

Of course, Sera doesn’t listen for shit.

She pushes past me, heading straight for her grandpa's study.

Mandy hurries after her.

"Fuck," I curse under my breath, exchanging a dark look with Turmoil.

We prowl through the mansion, scanning the shadows, on high alert.

Then Sera's blood-curdling scream rips through the heavy silence.

We sprint for the study, hearts pounding.

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