Page 117 of Single Teddy
“They’re not coming in?” This sounded…strange.
Or maybe I had learned to be overly suspicious when it came to the kids, but after the way they were treated, could anyone blame me?
“Yeah, they want to take the kids somewhere safe where they can talk to them and you,” Bennet said.
“Isn’t it safe here?” I glanced around the office. “And I thought you said they didn’t need to talk to me.”
“They don’t, but if you’re going to stay with them, they might as well, right?” He huffed.
I had no idea why. It wasn’t as if what I was asking was illogical in any way.
“Okay,” I said. “But I still don’t get what’s wrong with staying here. Isn’t it safe here?”
“Of course it is, but it’s not the most comfortable for the kids, is it? A cold, sterile police station, versus a comfortable, welcoming space designed for kids?”
I guess he did make a good point.
“Okay then. Lead the way,” I said, and just before we exited the room, Bennet scanned the outside area as if he were looking for someone, then he beckoned us to follow him.
He took us outside and stopped in front of a black car with tinted windows.
This…didn’t feel right.
I turned to tell Bennet, but he opened the door and shoved my head inside.
When I looked up and saw him throw the kids inside too, I realized what a fool I’d been.
Because Wyatt and Teddy were right. I should have listened to them.
I launched at the door, but it was slammed shut, and the click of the locking mechanism echoed around us. We were completely trapped.
I turned to the front of the car, where two masked figures were seated. Trying to launch at either of them became futile when the passenger pointed a gun at me and tutted.
Fuck.
“What’s happening, Mr. Wesley?” Valentin asked, pressing close to me as the car sped away.
“What’s happening? I think…I messed up, boys.” I couldn’t even look at him or Niko.
And only a miracle could untangle this whole situation.
All I could do was stare at the barrel of the gun aimed at me and breathe.
THIRTY-ONE
TEDDY
When the lunch rush was over, I managed to turn to Bear and make him a hot chocolate while Zach offered him some pie because, of course, Zach had made pie again after Dare told him how much he liked it.
Those two. They were so into each other. It was undeniable. And a little silly considering how long it had been going on.
Zach had moved to the island a year or so ago, and Dare had been visiting him almost every day, without fail, since.
But despite how obvious their attraction was, I hadn’t said anything to either Dare or Zach. Maybe there was a good reason neither of them had done anything other than be idiots.
“Can we go home now?” Bear asked.
“Not yet, sweetheart. We still have a few hours to go,” I replied, and I couldn’t help but feel guilty.
