Page 100 of Havoc

I turned to my other side and saw Leal was watching me. He whimpered, and I knew he was due for some more pain medicine. I hopped up and fed it to him through his IV and stroked his back as it pushed through his system.

“You did good, boy,” I whispered when he tried to lift his head, “and I promise I’ll catch this fucker and drill him into the ground.” He nuzzled my hand. “I’ll even save you a bite,” I promised. “You get some sleep.” His eyes slowly closed, and I was thankful he wouldn’t feel any pain for a few hours.

I glanced at the orange panties on the floor and grabbed my phone to text my brother.

Grim: Knox, if you want to entertain women, do it at your place.

I showered, dressed, and headed out to the kitchen where I found Trigger and Brick slumped on my couch, and, by the looks of it, they’d spent the night. When they spotted me, Trigger sat up and snapped his neck.

“They were two hired men.” Trigger jumped into business as I poured some coffee. “One of ’em took a look at me and shot himself.” He shrugged. “The other’s being held downstairs.” A surge of excitement went through me. It didn’t last, but I was thankful for the shot of adrenaline.

“Good.” I handed him a steamy cup of coffee as Brick blinked around the room and saw we were both awake.

“How’s Leal?” Brick rolled his shoulders and unfolded from the couch.

“Good, thanks to you guys.” I eased into the chair. I noticed Zhar stayed glued to me.

Trigger leaned his arms on his thighs. “Things are fucked up, but going after your dogs seems real personal.”

“I know.” My phone rang, and I saw it was my father. He needed to see me.

“What do you want me to do with the fucker downstairs?” Trigger asked.

“Let him sweat it out. I’ve got a meeting with Dad, but I want a piece of him.”

“I hear ya.” Trigger stood as Jesse came in.

Jesse held up his phone. “I got the footage from that night, with Darcy and the dogs.”

“And?”

“They ran into Kenna before they left.”

“Push it through to the TV.”

He pressed play, and I relived another video I knew would haunt me.

* * *

“Okay,Trigger’s good for four p.m.,” Jesse informed me as we walked down the hall. Zhar led the way as we approached Dad’s office for a meeting. I glanced in the direction of Cameron’s office and wondered if he’d heard the news about Leo yet. God fucking forbid he’d play nice for a few days.

“I’ll call the guys and make sure everyone’s there.” Jesse looked at his phone as a text message came in. “Ridder and Lawson better find something out on Darcy. The guys have been extra fucking quiet lately.” Jesse’s frustration with our spies showed. I got it; everything seemed off lately. “Speaking of which, there’s Lawson now.” He tapped his phone and started to text him back.

“Good.” I felt the loss of Leal covering my left, and it didn’t sit well with me. Nothing sat well with me lately. The darkness that had rooted deep in my chest slowly smothered all parts of me. I felt hollow and cold inside. I felt I deserved it. I didn’t have the right to feel any other way after how I’d let my brother down. I flinched at the memory that continued to haunt me. I watched it over and over on that video. I saw myself turn and head to my own room to indulge my own needs instead of checking on Leo.

“I’ve got to go,” Jesse called as he headed down the hall. “I’ve got to talk to Kenna.”

I didn’t ask why. I just opened the door to Dad’s office and was surprised to see my mother and Knox in conversation.

Instantly, I was on edge. I didn’t have the energy for him right now.

“Take a seat, son.” Dad set a coffee next to me as Zhar plopped down next to my feet.

Mom spoke first. “Before we start, Grim, how is Leal?”

“Fine.”

“Kenna was smart to figure out he’d go to Secrets. It’s where Leal would go to look for you.”

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