Page 54 of Tinley's Daddy
When it got dark, I would make dinner or order delivery, and we’d veg out in front of the television or in the theater room and watch movies or television until we went to bed.
We were curled up on the couch watching a Pixar movie when my phone buzzed. I didn’t like taking calls when I was with Tinley. The phone stopped buzzing, but a few seconds later, it buzzed again.
Kyler’s name was on the caller ID.
Tinley paused the movie.
“Hey, Ky, what’s up?”
“Fuck, man.” Kyler growled so loud Tinley sat up. “I’m this fucking close to buying an island and ordering all of you there for the rest of our lives.”
“Daddy.” I heard Rayna whine in the background.
“Is that Rayna? What happened?”
I stood up. Tinley sat on the edge of the chair, ready to leap into action.
“Fucking Santorini and his men tried to kidnap her.”
“Again,” Rayna said in the background and then giggled.
“Yes, baby.” Kyler huffed. “And it’s not funny.”
“What do you mean he tried to kidnap her?” I headed toward the mudroom. “Is she alright?”
“Yeah.” Kyler closed a door. “The doctor checked her out. She sprained her wrist, a bump on the head, a few bruises. The doctor gave her something to relax, and it’s made her loopy.”
“What the fuck happened?” I headed back toward the living room. Tinley remained on the couch, tracking me with worry in her eyes.
“She’s okay,” I whispered. Tinley released the breath she had been holding and collapsed back into the couch. She wrapped the blanket around her.
“A guy, some hired punk, grabbed her in the elevator of our building and tried to shove her in the trunk of his car before our guys got her.”
“Jesus, Kyler.” That deserted island seemed like a good idea. “That’s one way to get your girl back.”
Kyler didn’t laugh.
“Sorry, man. Too soon.”
He sighed.
“Listen, what do you need?” I leaned against the counter.
“I’m taking her to the house in the city for a few days.” Kyler sounded exhausted. “Why don’t you come in for Thanksgiving?”
“We can do that.” I peeked at Tinley. Her eyes grew wide. “I’ll check in with you tomorrow. Tell Rayna we’re glad she’s okay and back in the fold.”
“Thanks, man.”
I hung up the phone and walked back to the couch.
Tinley sat up. I sat next to her.
I stared at her, watching her brain work overtime. I opened my mouth to ask what she was thinking, but I didn’t have a chance. Tinley crawled into my lap and held me tight.
“Ump.” I situated her to make her more comfortable and hugged her. “Hey. It’s okay. Rayna’s fine.”
“Is she?” Tinley shivered.
