Page 33 of Reaping Havoc
“Are you coming home soon?” Gavin asked. I could tell he felt anxious.
“Yes. Very soon.”
“With our new sister?”
Tears stung my eyes, but I refused to let the hurt creep into my voice. “Yes. I will.”
I had to keep that promise. The boys counted on it. I knew Rael would do everything he could to recover our baby girl. Believing in him, I held onto hope.
“Love you, Mama!”
Per usual, the twins said it together.
I thanked Jigsaw and ended the call. My chest should have felt lighter, but I knew it wouldn’t happen until I had my daughter safe in my arms again.
At some point, I fell asleep. Exhaustion won and took over, giving me a tiny reprieve from the madness around me.
It took a few seconds to realize why I had woken up. My phone was ringing, and whoever called was persistent. I answered with a groggy voice. “Hello?”
“Nylah Peters.”
In an instant, I was wide awake. “Do you have my daughter?”
There was only one reason to call me. I recognized his voice. It was the same guy who called me previously.
“Yes.”
“What can I do to get her back?” Somehow, I remained calm.
“I’m so glad you asked. A simple trade. You take her place.”
Terror swept through me, but I was more afraid for my baby than myself. I could handle whatever happened. Rael would save me. “Done.”
“Good. You need to do exactly as I say.”
I listened to his instructions and stood on shaky legs. My body was still recovering from childbirth. The pain was tolerable, and I knew it would fade with time. It hadn’t been long enough for my milk to come in yet, so my breasts weren’t as sore and tender as I remembered them being after I had Gavin and Gage.
Mimi had come to the hospital and stayed with me, but she was asleep since it was after two in the morning. She slept through my conversation, but I wasn’t surprised. My sister had always been a deep sleeper.
I slowly dressed and pulled on my shoes, creeping past Mimi and Bones. His head was tilted back as he snored, leaning against the wall as he slept. Neither of them noticed that I left.
It occurred to me that I was probably walking into a trap. There was no guarantee that I would get my baby back, but there was also no other option. I had to try.
I picked up the hospital gown and tied it around me, hoping it would be less obvious that I was sneaking out if anyone caught me.
Bones stirred as I reached the door, and I pretended to head into the bathroom as he woke.
“Hey, Nylah. You okay?”
“Hungry,” I admitted. “Could you find me something that isn’t yucky hospital food?”
“Sure.” He smiled. “But we’re in a hospital.”
I shrugged, noting his attempt at humor. “Do what you can. I appreciate it.”
“Of course.”
Once he left, I followed behind him, taking a left where he turned right toward the vending machines.
