Page 62 of Moon Blind Hearts
The first thing I do once I’m back in the cabin is dig out the burner phone. I dial Albie’s number and then listen as it rings and rings and rings. I try again when there’s no answer, but it just does the same thing. He never not answers, even when he’s busy. He just lets me know he’ll call me back. Panicking, I hit the other phone number, the less secure one that’s guaranteed to ring. It’s only for emergencies, but this feels very much like that. It rings over and over again.
No answer.
Fuck. They’re coming. Oh my god, they’re coming for me.
Before I’ve made the decision consciously, I start throwing clothes into the suitcases, desperately grabbing what I can of mine and Genie’s and shoving it into the hard-sided suitcase. I can’t take all of it, not if we’re going to be on the run. When they get this close, I have to move fast, get out of town, move as far away as possible. Staying means they’ll find me. And honestly, this place isn’t equipped to handle a senator showing up. They’re not prepared for someone like my father.
I must make a lot of noise because Bonnie comes into the room, Genie in her arms. She’s followed by Ivy who’s frowning at the frantic way I’m throwing clothes into the suitcase.
“Are we leaving already?” Ivy asks. “I thought we’re not scheduled to leave until next week?”
“Change of plans,” I reply, shoving more clothes into the suitcase. I don’t fold anything, just throw it in chaotically. “Genie and I are leaving. You two will stay here for the duration. Once we’re somewhere safe, I’ll reach out with the new address. The old one is compromised.”
Bonnie frowns. “What’s going on? Why do we have to do this?”
“He’s found me,” I say as if that explains anything, finishing the clothes and sitting on the suitcase so I can zip it. “I have no choice.”
I haul the suitcase off the bed and set it on the floor with a clack. “Don’t worry,” I reassure them as I take Genie. “There’s plenty of money on the table to make sure you can fly out just in case I’m unable to contact you before the contract is up here.”
Ivy watches me move around carefully, her eyes narrowed.
“I think you should calm down,” Bonnie tries. “Jules, this is insane. We can figure it out and?—”
“You don’t fucking understand!” I yell, and then realize what I’d just done in my panic. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to yell.” Genie whimpers in my arms in her sleep and I bounce her on my hip on instinct. “I just . . . we have to go. We have to lay low for a while.”
I reach for Ratrick’s cage and look around. I won’t be able to take anything else. This is it. This is all we can manage by ourselves.
“I understand,” Ivy says. “The Ward family is powerful.”
I look at her, see the way she’s watching me, and realize that she’s already known. This whole time, Ivy knew exactly who I am and what I’m running from. At my look, she shrugs.
“I’m not stupid. I know what it’s like to be hiding from someone you’d rather not find you.” She points to me. “Your father.” She points to herself. “Crazy ex-boyfriend. We have a lot in common.”
I wince. “I’m sorry. I’m not leaving you. I just have to get away before?—”
“I know,” she says, smiling. “You ain’t gotta worry about me, Jules. Just get Genie to safety.”
“Thank you,” I croak. “It’ll be fine. We’ve done this before.”
“Never this panicked,” she replies. “This is different.”
I study her and sigh. “Yeah. This is different.” I squeeze her hand in comfort. “There’s enough money to cover everything for a few months in that envelope. Hopefully, I’ll be able to reach out before then.”
She winces. “Be careful, Jules. I really like working for you.”
Bonnie nods. “We’ll see you in a few weeks.”
I hug them both close just in case this really is the last time and then head toward the door, tugging the cage and suitcase along behind me. I’m prepared to launch these into the back of the car and take off. What I’m not prepared for is the man I find on the other side of the door.
Oakley Grymes sits on the rocking chair on the porch, a large shotgun in his lap. When I open the door and step out, his head jerks to me and his eyes narrow.
“What are you doing on my porch?” I demand.
“What are you doing with all that luggage?” he fires back, clearly annoyed. He eyes everything, including Genie where she’s fallen asleep on my shoulder during my movements and my talk with Ivy and Bonnie. It’s past her bedtime and when the girl is ready to sleep, she sleeps no matter where.
“You of all people should understand keeping her safe,” I murmur.
“I do,” he nods. “But I’m also certain I can’t keep her safe if you run away.”
