Page 98 of Mountain Daddy

I tuck Chleo closer.

And promise myself whoever took Lilly… bleeds next.

23

NIKOLAI

The dead man's phone buzzes in my hand. A message. Location coordinates. These idiots think they're still talking to their guy.

Don't realize he's cooling on Rosa's lawn with a broken neck. Their mistake. My advantage.

The phone buzzes again.

ETA with package?

They’re talking about Chleo. My fucking son. Like he’s cargo. I’ll pound these guys to fucking death.

I type back:Got delayed. On my way. Where are we taking her?

They give away their location immediately. Bloody idiots.Warehouse up North. Boss wants updates.

Perfect.

I know the place—I know all the places around here because it’s my business to know. Old logging facility at the edge of thecounty. Abandoned years ago. Remote. Isolated. The kind of spot where screams don't travel.

My hands tighten on the wheel. My feet hit the accelerator.

I think of Chleo. Wonder if he’s doing okay. I had no choice. I had to leave him somewhere safe. Couldn’t bring him with me.

I called Maksim. Told him I needed him.

“Name it.”

“I need you to watch my son.”

Silence. Then: “Yourwhat?”

“Long story. Need your help now. The Kozlovs have Lilly.”

“Text me your location.”

I hung up. Texted him where to meet us. Maksim's the only one who'd die protecting him the same as I would.

Ten minutes later, we pulled up where we needed to. Maksim was already there, leaning against his car. Watching. Waiting. Ready.

He looked at Chleo in the backseat. Eyes nearly popped out of his head.

“Christ,” he muttered. “He's yours, isn't he? I never noticed…”

I nodded. Explained.

“Won’t let anything happen to him,” he promised.

And now? I’m counting on that. If shit goes south tonight, he’ll be the one to watch over our son. Lilly’s and mine.

I check the dead man's phone again. Follow to where she is.

I drive. Fast but controlled. Can't draw attention. Can't get pulled over. Not with blood on my clothes and weapons in the car.

---