Page 13 of Havoc

“You need to leave them here, they’re dead, mate.”

His chest rose and fell with sobs that didn’t make a noise. This kid knew how to hide his sadness, and that made me angry. Tannis was even worse than I first thought.

“Bring your sister,” I said.

He held her hand and led her to the car. She was so young, maybe four or five, but she still hadn’t looked up at me. It broke my heart, because I was them once. I’d lived in a cartel until I was fourteen and Gideon had taken me on as a runner. I knew not to look up at enemies or strangers, and I knew never to listen to what was going on. People died around me all the time, people I cared about. It was never easy to deal with.

So…Presley had taken out Tannis, and without blinking, it seems. I was going to have to weasel my way into her life sooner rather than later. I hated that she was trusting the wrong type of people.

This wasn’t what she wanted back then. I hardly think it’s what she needs or wants now.

There was one place I could take these kids, away from everything. My uncle Landan. He had gotten out of the cartel early on, and now lived with his wife and their foster kids. Two more kids was going to be hard, but they could give them everything they needed.

“Where are we going?” Colby asked me.

“I have someone who will help you.”

“Who?”

“His name is Landan, and he helped me once upon a time.”

“Who are you?” he asked me.

“Lennon, I told you.”

“But how do you know my dad?”

“I used to work with him, for Gideon, a long time ago.”

Colby was okay with that answer because he didn’t speak again until I reached Landan’s house. It was late, but I could see a light on in his study.

“Come on.”

I took Colby’s hand and he held onto his sister as we walked up the path to the front door. Knocking once, I heard movement behind the door and then Landan opened up.

“Lennie?”

“Hey, Uncle Landan. I have a favour to ask.”

His eyes shot down to the kids and back at me. “Who are they?”

“Tannis’ kids. They just saw their parents gunned down in front of them.”

“Anything to do with Tannis wanting to take over for Gideon?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Come on, kids,” he said, opening the door wider. “I’ve got some cocoa.”

They both walked into the house, clutching each other and headed to the kitchen where I could see Landan’s wife Lorena smiling at them, welcoming.

“I’m sorry, Uncle.”

“You’re welcome to come in as well.”

“No, I have things I need to settle.”

“Let me guess…the girl reappears and you’re back here looking to get yourself situated in her life again.”

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