Page 51 of Property of Scythe
“We lost a brother. He wasn’t a patch yet, but Chris is in our hearts, and he won’t be forgotten. We’ll have to bury him soon.”
The men are somber. It hits us all hard that Chris is gone. He was a great prospect and a good soul. He’ll be missed.
Phantom and Mountain pass around glasses. When everyone has a shot of whiskey, we lift them high.
“To Chris,” I toast.
They all repeat after me, downing their shots.
We’ll grieve later. Now is not the time.
“There’s just one thing to focus on for tonight,” I begin. “We’re setting a trap for a clown.”
That’s when the room gets rowdy.
We form a plan and wait for nightfall. We’ll be ready.
I find Lottie after church. She’s in Mila’s room, sitting on the floor and playing with dolls. My daughter’s smile warms my heart. She needs a mother figure in her life. Emma is great, but she’s a babysitter and friend, not a mother. She’s young, and she doesn’t have the same presence or connection to Mila that Lottie has. It’s not a bad thing, just different.
I lean against the door, watching them until Mila notices.
“Daddy!”
She jumps up and rushes to me, throwing her little arms around my waist for a hug. I will never tire of that greeting.
Lottie stands and smiles. “We’re going to have a tea party later.”
“Oh? Sounds fun.”
I hold out my hand, and Lottie takes it. “I need to talk to Lottie, munchkin. You play and be a good girl. Okay?”
“Can Pappy come up and play with me?”
“I’ll ask him.”
She hugs Lottie and then runs back to her dolls, pulling out a brush to comb through all their hair. It’ll take a while.
“What do we need to talk about?” Lottie asks as we enter the hall.
“The plan for tonight.” I lead her downstairs and into the bar area, sitting at an empty table. “I think the killer is going to come back during the festival.”
She sighs. “I was thinking the same thing.”
“He’s not going to give up until he gets what he wants. That’s not happening, so the club is going to deal with him.”
“What do you need me to do?”
“Stay here.”
“With Mila?”
“Yes. I have a panic room and I’m going to lock you both in it until this is handled.”
A panic room? “Is Mila going to be okay with it?”
“She will be if you’re with her. You can make it a game or a sleepover. Anything to get her excited and keep her from the truth.”
“But won’t the killer know I’m not there?”
