Page 43 of Steel

“When did he say that?” My eyebrows pinch.

“This morning.”

After sharing grilled cheese sandwiches in silence last night, I went to bed. And by the time I woke up and showered, Jameson had already left.

“Do you think it’s faster than the fastest superhero?” Austin’s eyes widen. “Do you think he’d break the speeding limit?”

Havoc looks down at Austin. “Bet if you asked him, he’d be willing to test it out.”

“I wanna go with him.”

“There will be no motorcycle racing for you, mister.” I pat Austin on the head. “Especially if you’re trying to break a speeding record.”

“Why not?” Austin frowns. “Jameson can do it.”

“Jameson isn’t four years old.”

Austin crosses his arms over his chest and dips his chin. “I’m almost five.”

“Don’t worry, bud.” Havoc nudges Austin with his elbow. “Plenty of time to ride in life. Better to start with something that doesn’t have an engine. Besides, gotta get to know the bike first.”

Austin’s face brightens as he looks up at Havoc. “Do you think he’ll show me the parts?”

“I’m sure he would.”

Austin smiles, facing forward, and I wonder if Jameson realizes what he opened himself up to by offering to show Austin his bike. If not, he’s going to quickly learn what happens when you make promises to a four-year-old.

Havoc takes the final turn down my street, rolling to a stop at the curb. The two bikes that were following us circle to park in the driveway.

The entourage is a little embarrassing. But when I look at the house sitting in broad daylight, and I remember what happened last time I was here, I’m thankful I’m not alone with Austin.

Havoc cuts the engine. “The guys are gonna do a quick sweep, and then you can pack your things.”

Ghost and Sonny climb off their bikes and enter the house while I help Austin out of the truck. He jumps into my arms. They’re almost instantly tired with Austin getting bigger by the day, but I don’t set him down.

When the guys step back out of the house, they’re frowning.

“Someone cut the feeds,” Ghost says, looking at his phone. “Explains why they stopped recording in the middle of the night. I’m gonna replace them and add a few cameras to the perimeter.”

“You’re surveilling my house?”

Ghost’s cool blue stare lands on me. “Just in case they come back.”

My spine prickles, and I hold Austin tighter.

“And the house?” Havoc asks.

“It’s clear,” Sonny answers, coming to a stop in front of us.

I take that as my go-ahead, but he holds a hand up when I start to make my way toward the front door.

“What?”

“You should prepare yourself before going in there.” He looks from me to Austin. “They left a bit of a mess.”

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I shouldn’t be surprised, but still, it stings. Just last week all I could think about was work and school. And in one night, everything changed.

I blink my eyes open to find Austin staring at me, and it takes all my strength to bury the tears stinging as they fight to get out.

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