Page 30 of Blood
“You know what? You should arrest me.” I nod. “I’d love to see how that plays out in this town. I took care of the two little pricks terrorizing the town, only to get charged for it.” I chuckle and move to go past him. “We’ll be at my parents’ cabin if you need anything else, but I suggest you make it sooner rather than later as these two will be going back to bed shortly.”
He’s full of shit, and he knows it.
Two of the officers at the door scramble out of my way, but the third blocks the doorway, “A man has the right to protect his family.” Stepping aside, he meets my gaze. “They got what they deserved.”
“Officer Kelly, that is enough,” McCallister reprimands.
And it is enough. It proves my point. This town would rally behind me.
I leave them to it and move down the hall. I need to get out of here, settle the girls, and call my parents.
I really am going to be the child who gives my dad a heart attack.
Nearing the top of the stairs, I whisper, “Close your eyes, both of you.” I watch Shelby close hers and feel Sam’s lashes brush my neck. “Good girls. Don’t open them until I tell you.”
The officer at the bottom of the stairs watches as I carry both women down, stepping over the body like it’s just some laundry to be moved later.
“Hand me the car keys please?” I ask another officer, motioning with my chin to where they lay on the coffee table.
The female cop looks behind me, and after a second, she retrieves the keys.
“Hold your right hand out and take the keys. Keep your eyes closed,” I say, my right hand squeezing Shelby’s thigh.
Blindly, she reaches out, taking the keys. I turn to give the sheriff one last look, then leave.
My bare feet sting. The coldness of the concrete feels good, almost soothing. Neighbors are out in their gardens trying to get a good look at what is happening. It’s not every day we have police cars and lights flashing in the middle of the night.
Seeing me, my neighbor Aaron rushes over.
“What happened?”
Ignoring him, I speak to Shelby, “Open your eyes and unlock the car, sweetheart.” Then I nod to the car door. “Open that, please,” I ask Aaron.
Ducking, I gently place Shelby into the car. “Hand me the keys and scooch over,” I urge her, placing Sam on the seat when there’s room.
Climbing into the driver’s seat, I finally answer my neighbor. “A home invasion. They attacked. I wasn’t supposed to be home. The girls were supposed to be here house-sitting, alone,” I lie, stressing the last word. “I don’t know what they were looking for, but they didn’t get it.” I glance back at the girls, hoping that he would follow my train of thought.
He does.
His eyes widen, and horror and guilt fill his face. “I didn’t hear anything.”
I wouldn’t expect him to. It’s one of the reasons I bought a house on this street. All of the houses are far enough away from each other so that you get privacy. As much as you’re going to get in a small town, anyway.
“It’s not your fault. Besides, I took care of it. They won’t be bothering anyone else.”
Aaron nods, looking back at Shelby and Sam. “Good, that’s good.”
“Listen, I need to get to my parents’ cabin and have my injuries looked at. You take care of yourself and lock your house up tight. This town’s not as safe as it used to be,” I mutter, looking back at my house.
Aaron follows my gaze and harrumphs when he sees the sheriff. “I’ll say.”
I give a wave and pull off, hissing when I press the gas pedal. My feet really do fucking hurt.
“Which one of you is helping me clean and wrap my feet?” I ask.
When I get no answer, I look back through the rearview mirror.
Sam looks away quickly while Shelby’s wide eyes lock with mine.
