Page 66 of Ruthless

“Yeah, just Rory and me.” I watch my brother as I answer her. The longer our conversation lasts, I can see something working behind his eyes.

“Okay, but nobody else.” She hesitates again before adding, “One more thing. Don’t tell either of our dads where I am.”

“Why not?” My eyes narrow at that. Something is off with her, and I can’t wait to get to her and find out what it is.

“Just promise me,” she snaps.

“I promise.” I hold Rory’s stare as I answer, daring him to break it, but he stays quiet.

“Good. See you when you get here.” She hangs up, but not before I hear her talking to Thor.

Ten minutes later, I’m dressed in the only outfit that seems to fit me lately, a pair of black leggings and my favorite purple tunic. Other than a quick text to Teegan and a bathroom break for me, it doesn’t take long for us to head out and climb inside Rory’s truck, but before we can even make it out of the driveway, my brother has his phone up to his ear. “Found something of yours and on my way to go pick her up.” He ends the call without waiting for a response and sticks his key into the ignition.

“What the hell are you doing?” I smack him on the shoulder, knocking his phone out of his hand. He’s lucky I don’t do more damage. “She said not to tell our dads she’s here.”

“I’m not,” he says before turning the ignition and heading out onto the highway.

I’m not buying it, but I’ll deal with it once we’re back from my apartment. I lean back against my seat and stare out the window the whole drive. Our conversation is on a constant loop in my head as I try to put the pieces together on what the hell is going on with her.

When we pull up to my apartment complex, I take my seat belt off, ready to hop out of the vehicle and rush up there, when my brother grabs me by the shoulder.

“You even think of jumping out of this vehicle while we’re still moving, I’m going to have no choice but to hogtie your ass and let you explain to your husband why.”

“Seriously?” My hands clench into fists at his threat and fight the urge to smack him again. He’s treating me like I’m a little kid.

“If it means keeping you from doing something stupid and risk getting hurt, then take it however you want.” He holds my stare and shrugs.

I slump back against the seat and cross my arms over my chest while waiting for him to park. He’s right about me not being reckless, but it doesn’t mean I have to like him treating me like a child.

Once he pulls into the nearest parking space and shuts off the engine, I growl out, “Can I go now, Dad?”

“Smart-ass.” Rory shakes his head and reaches into his back pocket. He pulls out his favorite bowie knife and holds it out to me. “Take this.”

“Why?” My eyebrows pinch together as I stare at the leather-covered blade.

“Just in case.” He shrugs. “You never know how shit can go sideways, and it’ll make me feel a feck of a lot better if you have it on you.”

“Okay.” I shove the knife in the waistband of my leggings before climbing out of the truck. Rory follows on my heels through the lobby and into the elevator.

When we get off on my floor, I notice two things. One, it’s too quiet for this time of day. There are usually at least a couple of other neighbors hanging out at the end of the hall. The second thing is that the hallway is much colder than it usually is, even for this time of year.

As we approach Mrs. Baker’s door, Rory knocks. “Remember, we need to get in and out. The last thing I want is your pissed off baby daddy jumping down my shit for taking you out.”

“Yes, sir.” I roll my eyes at his bossy attitude as we hear the locks open.

Mrs. Baker answers the door in her usual attire of a pink robe and matching slippers. There’s a decent-sized bruise on her cheek.

“Are you all right, Mrs. Baker?” My eyes widen as I take in how bad the bruising is.

Her hand comes up to cup her cheek. “I’m fine. Just getting clumsier in my old age.” She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. Her hands clutch the collar of her robe tighter as she steps back for us to enter. “Come on in.”

“Thanks.” I walk over the thresh hold with Rory following in right behind me. “Is my friend here?” My eyes wander around her apartment, but Fiona isn’t anywhere to be found.

“Of course. She’s in the back bedroom, lying down. The poor thing said she had a headache from traveling. You can go on in and get her. It’s the last door on the left.” Then she turns her attention to Rory. “Would you mind helping me get a dish down from the kitchen cabinet while you’re here, young man? I don’t want to end up with another bruise.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Rory nods and then mouths to me, “Five minutes.” Without a backward glance, he moves to follow Mrs. Baker into her kitchen.

I walk down the hall and up to the bedroom door at the end. I knock to make sure Fiona is decent when I hear muffled cries coming from the room. The hair at the back of my scalp prickles. Something is off. My fingers grip the knob and twist when I open the door and catch a glimpse inside, my jaw drops.

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