Page 101 of Matrix

“Yeah, but you don’t have enough extra beds.”

“True. The clubhouse works. I’ll let Nina know we’re headed back.”

“Is she there already?”

“Never left. She spent the night because she was worried about you.”

“About me?” I frown.

“She wasn’t the only one.” Scar gives me a pointed look.

“Have her call Doc. The girls need to be examined ASAP.”

“Done and done.”

Daisy’s already sitting in the front seat of the truck, while Angela’s in the back. They both look dazed and exhausted. I wonder if they got any sleep last night. Based on what I saw earlier, the raid occurred early this morning. I’m dying to ask them about it, but it isn’t the right time. I need to wait until after Doc assesses their injuries. That’s our top priority right now. News about Blackstone will have to wait.

When we arrive at the clubhouse, Nina runs down the front porch.“How are they?”

“Lots of bumps and bruises. Daisy’s got one hell of a gash on her head, but it stopped bleeding.” I get out of the truck to help the girls climb the steps.

“Come lay down,” Nina says.“You can both fit on Matrix’s bed. Doc’s on his way. He should be here soon.”

After the girls are settled inside, Nina grabs washcloths and ointment for their cuts. While she tends to Angela, I help clean Daisy’s head wound.

Doc strolls in about ten minutes later. His face is grim, and he’s carrying his medical bag with him.“Everybody out except for the patients.”

“I’m staying,” I say firmly.

“Let him work.” Nina gently grips my arm and pulls me toward the door.

“Okay, but we’ll be right down the hall if you need anything,” I tell Doc.

“Sit down before you fall down,” he calls as Nina and I leave.

“He’s right,” she says.

We walk into the living room, where I collapse on the couch and lean forward with my elbows on my knees and my face in my hands.“This is all my fault. I should have insisted on going with them.”

“Stop. Even if you’d wanted to go and Daisy had been foolish enough to let you, those Feds wouldn’t have allowed you within a mile of Blackstone. Your presence wouldn’t have changed anything. It probably would have made things worse.”

“He’s still free, Nina.” I raise my face to meet her shocked gaze.

“No.”

“I don’t know what happened, but he wasn’t arrested. As far as I know, he’s still walking around, free as a bird.”

“What the fuck?”

“That’s what I want to know.”

“Did Daisy say anything?” Nina asks.

“No, and I didn’t attempt to ask her either. She was too dazed after being pulled from the wreckage.”

“Was it an accident, or did someone run her off the road?”

“I don’t know. Shit, I have no fucking idea what happened.”

---