Page 89 of Goose

I stand and grab the chair to help her into it. We go back into the hallway and the short way down to Zane’s room.

I push Olivia in and Zane smiles when he sees me. “I was about to get out of bed and come lookin’ for you.”

“Oh, shush you. Get those cards out so I can kick your ass again.”

Zane laughs and nods toward Olivia. “Sorry about my sister’s terrible manners. I’m Zane. Have we met before?”

Olivia blushes. “We have. You helped set up my classroom in the fall. We can’t thank you enough for all your volunteer time you put in at the school.”

“Just doing what I love. Now, let’s play some Hearts.”

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WE PLAY FOR A FEW HOURSbefore we all sit back to relax and watch some tv. Zane has fallen asleep from his pain meds, and I’ve just wheeled Olivia back into her room when my phone rings.

I look down to see Ellie Jo’s name on my screen. I groan and ignore the call. Pushing the couch closer to Zane’s bed, I lay down and try to close my eyes.

My phone rings again, and I look down to see Ellie Jo’s name again. I sigh before answering it.

“I’m kind of busy. Let’s just-”

“Bambi!” Ellie Jo is yelling and sounds frantic. “Bambi, I need you!”

I sit up on the couch, “Slow down. What’s going on?”

I can hear her breathing heavily on the other end. “There are guys here at my bakery! They’re trying to break in!”

“Let me call the guys! Can you call the police?”

“I already did! Oh god, I’m petrified!”

I get up and walk back and forth in the room.

“Okay, okay! Hide in the back. Don’t make another sound.”

“Please come, Bambi. I’m terrified and need a friend. I can hear the sirens!”

I can hear the fear in her voice. Despite everything she has done, I know what it’s like to be alone.

“I’ll be there soon. Just hold tight. Hide wherever you can until the police get you.”

I hang up and run out the door, only to land smack dab into one of Joker’s guys. “Where’s the fire, woman?”

“I’ve gotta go! My friend is in trouble at her bakery!”

“Nope. You have to stay here.”

I rip my arm away from him. “You can either stay here or come with me. But I’m fucking going.”

I rush down the hallway and down the stairs. Joker’s guy is right on my heels. I look around the empty parking lot to realize my car isn’t there.

Turning back around, I point at the man. “Where’s your bike?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea...”

“Did I fucking ask your opinion? No. Now where the fuck is your bike?”

He points toward the back, and I rush over. He starts it up and I hop on behind him.

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