Page 58 of Fanatic

Danny closed his eyes, and I prayed he’d fall asleep. There was a disturbance behind me, but I couldn’t turn my head. I had to watch this dot. If it moved, I was diving for Danny.

I must have been sat here an hour. My back ached because I was so tense. Danny had fallen to sleep. There were all sorts ofnoises as police arrived and sectioned the scene off, but even so, I jumped when I heard my name bellowed.

“Fanatic!” I shrieked. “Stay there!”

“Fuck that!” Fanatic yelled, and there were sounds of a fight.

“Do as you’re told!” I cried.

There were some loud grunts, and Lio called out. “I’ve got him, Willow. And if Fanatic fuckin’ bites me again, I’m not responsible for what happens next.”

“Shit.” I tried not to laugh, but a hysterical giggle escaped.

“Hang in. It won’t be much longer when I say grab Danny and run. Do it. Don’t hesitate,” Gold ordered.

“Okay. Has anyone let my boss know?”

“AD Markin is on his way with two other agents,” Gold replied.

“Why isn’t Fanatic talking?”

“Because Lio shoved a handkerchief in his mouth because Fanatic bit him,” Gold responded.

“Tell me you’re joking.”

“No. It gets worse. The whole thing was captured on TV,” Gold called.

“Someone better get me a copy!”

“Yeah, it don’t look good three cops pinning Fanatic to the ground and Fanatic foaming at the mouth like he’s got rabies. No doubt Lio’s getting a rabi—Willow move!”

My legs felt like noodles, but I was up and moving before Gold even finished speaking. I snatched Danny from the stroller and ran. There was a low stone wall a few feet away, and I headed for it, jumping it and dropping.

“Willow!” Fanatic screamed, and I realised he must have thought I was shot.

“I’m okay!” I yelled back as Danny let out a loud cry and began shrieking his head off.

“Swear to God, Lio, we’re in the ring after this. Get off, you fat wanker!” Fanatic cursed, and I began laughing as I checkedDanny from head to toe. Danny carried on wailing as Fanatic kept cursing and throwing insults, and I swear I heard an ‘eejit’. Didn’t know Fanatic had Irish in him.

“You’re clear, Willow,” Gold called five minutes later. I sat up and saw men running towards me. In front of them was Fanatic. He crashed to the ground and snatched me up in his arms. Danny’s wails became hiccupping sobs as he grabbed Fanatic’s tee.

“You okay?” Gold asked, arriving second.

Surprisingly, Jimenez and Markin were next, with Lio limping behind them. Fanatic glowered at all of them.

“Shit, boss, your face!” Jimenez exclaimed.

“Sure, that’s what matters when she’s been in somebody’s crosshairs!” Fanatic snapped.

“Tone it down. I’m okay, Danny’s fine. This was someone’s idea of a sick joke or warning,” I said, patting Fanatic’s chest.

Fanatic snarled and buried his head in my neck.

“Shiiiitttt,” Tiny rumbled, and I looked up and saw the big guy standing there. His eyes were wide as he took in Fanatic and me.

“Damn,” Levi agreed.

“This ain’t got nothing to do with Rage,” I warned.

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