Page 66 of Death and Donuts

“The news? Why?”

“There are a lot of people going missing, and I’m just worried about you guys.”

“Oh, sweetie. You don’t need to worry about us. Those people that are going missing are from the city. You need to keep yourself safe.”

“I will. I promise. Does grandma still have that necklace that Vena gave her?”

“Of course. She never takes it off.”

“Good. Make sure she doesn’t. Give everyone my love.”

“I will. Love you, too, sweetie.”

Cross waited until I disconnected the call to ask, “What necklace?”

“After Vena’s grandparents disappeared, she bought my grandma a tracking necklace. She didn’t want me to lose my grandma like she lost hers.”

Cross hugged me again. “That won’t happen. Trust Shepard’s people. They will keep your family safe.”

His phone rang, and I listened to his one-sided conversation after he answered.

“Shepard knows what he’s doing.” Cross smiled briefly. “I’ve never thought otherwise. Thank your men for Everly and find a way to move them.” He paused. “Agreed. They’re unlikely to give up.” He listened again. “Thank you.”

He pocketed his phone and rubbed some warmth into my cold hands.

“Shepard had the forethought to have people watching your family since we left the mountain. The thralled humans who were watching your family have been removed, but to prevent this from happening again, Shepard’s people are going to move your family temporarily. They’ll win an all-expenses paid trip from the radio station your father favors. Expect another call from them soon.”

I let out a shaky breath and nodded.

“Is there anyone else that Orphia might use against you?” he asked.

Vena’s family was still safely tucked away at Shepard’s complex, and Vena was with Anchor. Other than them and my family, there wasn’t anyone nearby.

“Vena and I have friends from school, but they’re backpacking in Europe this summer.”

“I think they'll be fine then. Orphia won’t expend unnecessary energy abroad.”

He kissed my forehead.

“Are you willing to allow me to distract you for the rest of the day?”

“Please.”

Cross carriedthe bags inside the new place like they weighed nothing, but I knew otherwise. He hadn’t held back while shopping.

Construction crews were still on site even though it was getting late. They barely stopped working to swivel their heads in our direction to see who’d arrived.

“Let’s set this in the storage area for now,” he said. “Then I’ll take you to dinner.”

While he walked away, I looked around. The transformation was amazing, considering the short timeframe. All the walls, including the kitchen and bathroom walls, were there now, allowing me to visualize the space. More wires and plumbing were being added.

My phone buzzed with a message.

Mom: Our bags are all packed. I still can’t believe your dad won. How crazy is this?

I smiled, recalling my mom’s excited call hours ago when I’d been shopping with Cross. She’d shared that they’d “won” a two-week cruise for my parents and grandma. My mom was beyondexcited since they both were self-employed and could leave immediately.

Me: I’m so excited for you. Please send me lots of pictures so I know you’re having fun and are okay.

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