Page 139 of Stealing Second

There are four men on the porch with guns, looking like they’re all going hunting, when Chloe and I walk out, holding hands.

“I’ll give you all a call when I know more,” Danny says, looking at Chloe and me. “You ready, Cora?”

“I mean, yeah,” she says as she takes his outstretched hand.

* * *

Roman

“You need to get some sleep, Hart.” Jase Steel crosses his arms and leans back in the recliner next to the hospital bed.

“I need an update on Gwen,” I say, looking at the IV that is totally unnecessary.

Cyrus looks up from his phone where he’s posted himself at the door since I was brought in. “She’s gonna be fine, thanks to you.”

“I need my phone.”

“No lights, especially screens.” Jase lens forward, elbows on his knees. “Get some rest. We’ll wake you when we get word.”

“Hey, C.”

Cyrus steps aside as Jase’s wife, Carly, walks in with a duffel bag.

“I have clothes both Steel brothers, and news for you, Roman.” She smiles softly. “Good news.”

“I’ll take that.”

“Gwen is out of surgery, and Justice and Gabby are at the station, trying to get Marks out.”

“What?”

“Baby.” Jase shakes his head.

“Well, there I go, eating my damn foot again.” She sighs.

“You’re okay.” He pats his knee. “Have a seat.”

“Can I get some details?” I ask as calmly as I can.

“He didn’t want to pull over,” Cyrus states. “Took the locals on a little chase. When he finally did stop, they found Center in the back of his SUV in cuffs. You know, everyday shit like that.”

“Like Carly said, Justice and his wife, Gabby —who’s a lawyer—, are down at the station, working on it. He’ll be fine. He’s licensed, and he has no record. That motherfucker does, though.”

“Due process.” Cyrus pushes off the wall and walks over, holding his phone out.

“Is he okay?” CeCe’s voice comes through the speaker.

“Hey, Red,” I say, swallowing back all the fucking emotions just her voice is causing right now. “I’m good. Gwen’s good. Marks is good.”

“Hospitals and jail aren’t good, Roman.” Her voice breaks.

“IWilliam done. He’s off the streets.”

“What about Janice?” she asks.

“Who the hell is Janice?” I reply.

“Cora’s father’s fake girlfriend and William’s prison pen pal.” She sniffs.

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