Page 26 of Dark Knight

“Shit. Did nobody bother to check who the man was when he took her home?” I don’t hear an answer because I think they are walking farther away.

I don’t understand why Nolan’s name incites fear in them, but I’m half hoping that means they’ll let me go. I’m also a bit scared they’ll dispose of me instead. The latter is an option I’d rather not ponder on for too long.

When I hid the fork from my lunch under the mattress, I did so in the hopes that they would see that while I’m not talkative, I also haven’t tried to escape when they’ve unbound me and would allow me to remain free. It hasn’t happened, and I’m not sure if it ever will now.

I’ve considered faking memory loss again so they might have some kind of pity on me, but I’m afraid it won’t work, and they’ll drug me again. I need a clear head if I’m to try and escape on my own. None of Nolan's family saw when I was taken, so I have no idea if they can figure out who has me.Idon’t even know where I am. All they’ve said in reference to this place is the "facility". Which in its own right is petrifying.

Flora has wanted to send me away for a long time, but I didn’t think my father would allow her to go through with it. I thought, for sure, there was some kind of love he still harbored for me, but with everything happening now, I don’t think I can hold onto that hope anymore.

“We need to sterilize her before they come for her, then. If they’re going to destroy us, it might as well be for a solid reason.” The man’s cold voice is raised.

Sterilize?My body runs cold; ice slices through my veins. Pins prick my flesh. My eyes roam down my body to stare at my stomach. Still flat. Still smooth. Maybe carrying Nolan’s child. Lord knows that was his plan.

And they want to take that away from me?My only chance to have someone as just mine? To have someone who will love me because I love them so much? I can’t risk it.

I have to do something.

Chapter11

Nolan

Cross and Holden are standing at the exit as Griff and I are released, and I inhale deeply, clapping the kid on the shoulder and saying, “Breathe it in, kid. Nothing's sweeter.” We spent the last two days fending off assholes because someone decided to put a target on our backs in order to keep us in longer.

I think it’s the sheriff back home; Griff thinks it’s the fucking deputy. I’m willing to bet it could be both. I’ll damn well find out, though, and burn both to the ground.

“Nolan, thanks for looking out for him.” Cross holds out a hand for me, and I shake it.

“He’s a good kid. Seemstheyboth are. Look out for them.” My stare penetrates, and he nods, understanding what I’m not saying.

“Ready to go bust some kneecaps?” Holden claps his hands together, and a gleeful smile crosses his face. “There’s a bayou with a gator infestation I think we should check out.”

Translation: A new dumpsite he’s dying to use.

“Let's do this.” Climbing into his Tahoe, two car seats and a scattering of toys in the back, and I can’t stop the laughter. “Real kill-mobile you got here.”

“Don’t get blood on the interior; Noelle will flip her shit.” His serious face makes me hoot harder.

The drive home only takes an hour, and it’s done in silence as I look through the file Holden and Daniel put together for me on the sheriff. Bank records show he took a huge payoff the day my warrant was issued, which happened to be the same day I brought Bea home.

I don’t believe in coincidences, so I know it’s related. “Have you heard anything from Morris?” The man was supposed to meet me last week, but instead, he and his wife had me locked up, and he avoided the meeting with Bishop. It doesn’t even matter to me anymore if he’s part of this entire conspiracy or not; he’s just as culpable due to his ignorance. He should know what’s happening under his own roof. Especially when it has to do with the vulnerabilities of his daughter.

“He’s been suspiciously silent on all fronts.” Pulling up to the front of our childhood home, I see King, my father, and Atticus standing on the front step under cover of the awning from the rain. We all lived here at one time or another, and while my parents gave us a good home, The Castle is where I find the most comfort.

The dungeon in the basement also holds its own appeal. Especially right now.

“Gentlemen,” I greet as I take the steps up to the door two at a time. “Glad to see you.”

“Good to have you home, son.” Luther drags me in for a back-slapping hug.

Atticus opens the door and squeezes my shoulder in silent support. “We need to talk.” King’s tone sounds ominous as I notice Bishop, Hendrix, Castiel, and surprisingly, my little sister, Lake, waiting in the den off the foyer.

“Nolan!” she gasps, rushing into my arms. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Me too, sis.” Holding her tight to my chest, I walk her back into the room. “What’s going on?” I ask the room as a whole.

Everyone looks to Lake, who freezes in my embrace. I feel her breathing accelerate, and as I glance down at her, she pales, and I fucking hate it. Hate that whatever has happened to her, she won’t tell me.

Me!

---