Page 29 of Between Dusk and Dawn

"Everything seems to be okay."

That meant nothing was okay.

"She got herself into a situation when being dropped off from class by a classmate, but before I could intervene, she managed to get away from it."

My heart pounded against my ribcage.

Remain calm, motherfucker.A classmate drove her home and put his hands on her. She pushed him away, but he cornered her in the car.

"...She managed to use her pepper spray you planted in her backpack while pushing him away."

That’s my girl. She was always thinking ahead like I was.

"And she’s safe?"

He gulped as I pulled onto my street.

"You should check the cameras."

"I’ve been in a meeting with my father," I said, driving up the gravel road before parking my car and bringing out my phone.

"Have you been going to her yoga classes?" I asked as the camera app loaded.

"Yes, Boss."

"Acting like a random participant?"

"And getting my ass kicked. I swear I can do the splits now."

I laughed, then looked down at my phone. She was in her room, curled up in a ball, sobbing.

"This isn't uncommon." I tried to remain as cool as I could, but seeing her falling apart in that room like she had many nights over the last few years, tore me apart on the inside. It was the only time I felt like the persona I’d created faltered. Though I’d never admit this to anyone, including Madison.

"Listen."

I paused the call to bring up the cameras I had in her room again, realizing she’d fallen asleep. She was crying in her sleep.

Her little hiccups escaped her mouth, and she looked so small on the cream comforter. I wished I put a blanket?—

"No," she screamed, thrashing around. "Please no."

Scanning through all the camera angles, I searched the entire house for an intruder.

"Please don’t hurt me." Something in my chest cracked, like I was somehow feeling something for her.

"Walsh, please don’t hurt me," she whimpered through sniffles.

Oh, fuck.Whatever was rumbling inside of me felt like it was going to explode. My stomach knotted, and all these physical reactions were so unfamiliar. The last time I felt this nauseous was when I saw my mother dead in my living room as a child.

"Enzo?" I asked once I’d collected myself enough to unmute.

"Boss."

"You know the only reason we are watching her is because one day we will avenge the horrific ordeal she put my sister through."

There was a long pause. I’m not sure why I said what I did. Somehow, saying it aloud helped me almost believe it to be true.

"Yes, Boss," Enzo finally replied. "I know."

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