Page 83 of Shadow and Skulls

It’s pouring by the time I get outside. I slip down the hill but jump to my feet when I see Dirk still following me. My world is crashing around me as I dart into the dark forest.

“Tank!” I begin to yell, rushing through the trees. A branch cuts across my cheek, but I don’t stop. “Tank!”

I trip, falling over a tree root. My hands skid across the dirt. I close my eyes letting the sting across my palms override the hurt in my heart.

Dirk’s boots stop beside me. His big hand rests against the back of my head as I stare at the blood and dirt on my palms.

He hollers at someone. “I’ve got her!”

His arms wrap around me, and he scoops me against his chest. I’m shivering. I’m too late. Tank is gone.

“Get my truck,” he orders someone when we get back up to the warehouse.

He sits me gently on a chair in the kitchen, and my eyes go to the windows. I’m so sad for my family … my dad. He lost his mom. She’s gone. I just saw her this morning. Lightning flashes across the sky as if the whole world is raging against the thought of a world without my sweet grandmother.

Jesse tries to talk to me, but I’m not listening. I tip my head back to stare at the ceiling, and I allow myself to slip away.

“Kelsie, please, Kels. Don’t do this. Talk to me.” I hear the panic in her voice, but I don’t care. I simply don’t care.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Tank

The rain is really coming down. I’m glad Kelsie got back inside for the night before it let loose. My girl is scared. I can see it, but it will be good for her to make the trip to see her mother.

I drop my jacket over a chair before checking to make sure I have everything packed for my trip to Iowa tomorrow. I got Dan’s warning text, telling me to quit stalking his daughter, but he can fuck right off.

I’m giving her the space she needs and him the time he needs to wrap his head around the idea that his little girl is an adult. But that doesn’t change the fact she’s mine. I’ll watch over her until the end of my days.

Just as I’m getting ready to head to the shower, headlights slide across my trailer. I pull the curtains back. It’s fucking Dirk. I grab my piece, shoving it in the waistband of my jeans. Maybe Dan’s sending me a “live and in stereo” type of message.

I open the door before he knocks, finding not him but Jesse standing on my steps. Her wet hair hangs in her face, but I see the worry in her eyes.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, stepping out into the rain with her.

“Don’t make me regret this.” She jogs back to her husband’s truck, expecting me to follow her.

When she opens the passenger door, I see Kelsie curled up in a little ball beside Dirk. He and I exchange a look. It’s a warning. They’re not doing this for me. It’s for her.

“Little shadow,” I say quietly, reaching in the cab for her.

Her head darts up, her wild gaze clashing with mine. She jumps across the seat and into my arms. I hug her to me. God, it feels good to have her in my arms.

“What happened?” I ask.

She doesn’t answer but Jesse does. “Dan’s mom passed away this evening. We were going to wait to tell her until she got back from her trip tomorrow, but she overheard me on the phone.” Jesse cringes and runs her fingers across her forehead. “She ran out to the forest. She was looking for you.”

Kelsie is wrapped so tightly around me; I don’t know how I’m going to set her down. “Kelsie, baby, talk to me.”

My words only make her tighten her grip.

Dirk nods for Jesse to get in. “We’ll be back in the morning.”

They’re leaving her with me.“I’ll take care of her.”

He leans over his wife, pointing to Kelsie. “She has some scratches. Clean them up.”

I nod, backing away with her in my arms before they change their mind.

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