Page 58 of Coty

“We need help.” I grab my phone and make the call.

“Rodeo?” Jack answers groggily.

“Ghost, I need the Vikings. As many as you can get.”

“Where?” He’s instantly awake.

“Kayla’s apartment.”

“What’s wrong?” Lily’s voice is heavy with sleep.

“Rodeo needs help. Call Nick.” Jack puts his phone on speaker while he gets dressed. “Talk to me, Coty.”

“Neighborhood dogs woke me up. Kayla saw a man in the window when I turned the back light on.” I pause and meet Kayla’s scared eyes. “And Kayla’s twenty-two is missing.”

“He’s been inside.”

“Is Kayla alright?” Lily’s voice is full of panic.

Jack takes the phone off speaker. He’s running out the door. “Nick’s been notified. The SOS signal went out. At least a dozen Vikings are on the way. Jay’s here. We’ll be there in ten. Do either of you need medical?”

“No. There was no contact.”

“Jack,” Lily pleads.

“Sorry, angel. Back inside. You’re staying here. Kayla’s fine. We’ll bring her to you.”

The sirens in the distance destroy any hope of getting out of her without the cops being called. Vikings are not their favorite people right now.

“We have company.”

“Yeah, I hear ‘em. Just tell them what you told me. Looks like Hendrix will reach you first. Almost there, buddy.” Jack ends the call.

I pull Kayla into my arms. “This isn’t me being controlling, Sparky. But this changes things. You’re not safe here. Pack a couple of bags right quick. We’re moving you to the club property.”

She leans back. Before she can protest, I crash my mouth to hers.

“Rodeo!” Hendrix pounds on the front door.

I slowly pull my lips from hers. “I can’t lose you. I need to know you’re safe at all times, especially while you’re sleeping. Jack…” I run my hand through my hair. I can’t finish it.

Recognition hits her hard in the chest. The thought ripped mine in two.

Kayla nods. “Ariel. Ariel was sleeping.” She doesn’t fight or protest. She grabs two suitcases from the closet and starts shoving clothes inside.

“Rodeo!” Hendrix pounds harder.

I rush to the door and jerk it open before he decides to break the glass. “We’re good, man.”

He nods toward the Sheriff's cars pulling in. “That’s not good.”

Kayla’s apartment is the second one from the end. The couple in the first apartment opens their door when the cops show up.

Dennis Felton looks toward Hendrix and me. “Is Miss Kayla okay? A man ran across the backyard.” Guess we know who called the cops.

“We saw him. She’s shaken up, but okay.”

Sheriff Bowers looks straight at me when Jack and the others pull in. Yeah, it’s always the Vikings’ fault when something happens around here.

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