Page 53 of Protecting What Is Mine

Hank clears his throat. “I don’t think they were there for the daily special.”

I brace myself as Sam turns her attention to him. “They?”

“Mol?” Apologetically, Hank turns to me.

Thanks for the help, big guy.

“Yeah, babe. He was with Clint.”

“Of course he was.” Sam nods as she processes the information. “Let me guess, Clint’s scare tactics weren’t having the desired effect, so he brought in reinforcements to ratchet up the pressure.”

“I’d say that just about sums it up.”

“So, it basically proves what you already suspected. Doesn’t it? Clint had something to do with what happened to Chet. Why else would he go to so much trouble to try and split you two up?” Sam asks as she motions to Hank and then me.

Hank’s focus drifts away from the table as he shakes his head.

“What’s the matter?” I place my hand on his back and can actually feel the tension radiating from him.

Hank growls as he exhales a heavy breath. “I’m sorry, it’s just…what a fucking asshole!”

“Who?”

“Clint.” Hank’s eyes narrow. “It was bad enough when he was just some prick-member of your family with an axe to grind about the past. But now? I mean, if that piece of shit is the one responsible for my brother lying in a hospital bed…I can’t stand by while he’s out there assholing it up…with apparently no consequences for his actions.”

“I know. It’s not fair and it’s not right. But what can we do?”

When Hank looks at me, the tension in his eyes fades. “I know. But I don’t have a lot of experience with feeling helpless. I can’t name a single Wilde who’s ever been known for sitting around and doing nothing.” He chuckles. “Hell, that even goes for Leo. His track record for doing positive things may be small, but you can’t say he’s one to sit on the sidelines and watch.” Hank takes a breath and stands. “Alright. That’s got to be enough belly-aching for one night. We need to get on with what we came here to do.”

Sam blinks with surprise. “And what is it that you came here to do?”

I cough. “About that…”

“Yeah?” Now it’s Sam’s eyes that are narrowed in my direction. “Why do I suddenly feel like a fish about to chomp on a wormy lure?”

Hank speaks, calmly but with confidence and authority behind his words. “Sam, after everything that’s happened…and the fact that there’s a psycho still roaming free, it’s not safe for you to stay here.”

Sam’s already shaking her head before he can finish speaking. “I appreciate your concern. Really I do, but…”

“Sam, stop. Hank’s right,” I interrupt. “We’re three women, in a rural area, with less than ideal neighbors. What are we going to do to stop him the next time Clint comes back?”

“Uh, call the cops?” she snaps back.

“And what’s your plan for the twenty to thirty minutes between the time you call and the time a deputy arrives?” Hank counters.

“Babe,” I plead. “I don’t want to go without you and Nessa. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you.”

“And what about Vanessa?” Sam’s shoulders fall. “She’s in bed. What am I supposed to do? Wake her up and tell her we’re leaving? In the middle of the night? But hey, don’t worry, everything’s fine.”

I blink in surprise. “Does that mean you’ll come? Because, if that’s the only thing holding you back, we can work it out.” I look to Hank.

“Uh, yeah. What if…” He stops to rub his chin while he tries to come up with something. “What if we pack your things now and get them loaded in the truck, and I stay here tonight?”

Sam scoffs and begins to speak but Hank interrupts before she gets a word in. “I’m happy to crash on the couch if you’re worried about Vanessa asking questions—it’s got to be better than sleeping in a chair.”

The look on Sam’s face says she’s not sold, but to my surprise, after a long sigh, she caves. “Alright.”

“Alright?” I turn to Hank and whisper, “Did she just say alright?”

His eyes light up as he nods.

I stand and walk over to Sam to rub her shoulders. “Alright then, girl. Let’s get packing.”

She nods but says nothing and heads to her bedroom.

I turn my attention back to Hank. “What about the hospital? Isn’t that going to be a problem?”

He shakes his head. “Chet wants me there even less than I want to be there. Besides, he’s getting stronger every day and I’ve got bigger things to worry about now. Like getting you packed.”

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