Page 138 of 12 Months of Mayhem

Cheyenne’s eyes widen as she takes in the scene. My panicked expression, Rex’s rigid stance, the way I’m clutching my belly. She doesn’t need to ask what’s wrong.

“The kids,” Rex says. “They’re missing. And Rem’s—”

Another contraction cuts through me like a knife, and I can’t hold back the cry of pain this time. Cheyenne is there in an instant, her strong arms supporting me as my knees buckle.

“I’ve got her,” Cheyenne says to Rex. “Go find the kids.”

But I can’t let go of Rex’s arm. The thought of him disappearing into the crowd terrifies me almost as much as the thought of our children lost in this chaos.

“No,” I gasp, shaking my head. “No, I can’t—I need to help find them.”

“Remy, you’re in no position to help. Rex will find them. They probably just ran off chasing some of the performers.”

I shake my head, trying to clear the fog of panic and pain. “No, Cheyenne, you don’t understand. Something’s wrong. I can feel it.” I grip Cheyenne’s arm, my eyes boring into hers. “Call the VCQs. Get them here, now. We need everyone looking for the kids.”

“Do you want me to call the parish police?”

“We’re already here. Getting through this crowd will only delay them.”

Cheyenne nods, pulling out her phone. Her fingers fly over the screen as she types out a mass text to our sisters. I turn to Rex, who is shifting from foot to foot, torn between staying with me and racing off to find our children.

“Go,” I tell him. “Find them, Rex. Bring our babies home.”

He cups my face in his large hands. “I will,” he promises, then presses a quick, fierce kiss to my forehead before disappearing into the crowd.

As Rex vanishes out of sight, I feel a fresh wave of panic rising in my chest. I close my eyes, trying to steady my breathing, but all I can see are Beaux’s bright blue eyes and Birdie’s golden curls. Where are they? What if someone took them?

Cheyenne’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts. “Harlow and Maya are here.”

I open my eyes to see my sisters coming towards us, their faces etched with concern. Harlow’s fiery red hair is a beacon, and Maya’s dark eyes are scanning the area, already on high alert.

“What’s going on?” Harlow demands.

“The kids are missing,” Cheyenne explains quickly. “And Remy’s having contractions.”

“Shit,” Harlow mutters, her eyes widening. “Okay, we need to split up. Maya, you stay with her. I’ll start with the east side of the Quarter.”

As they talk, a thought strikes me. “Wait,” I gasp, fumbling for my phone. “Tinsley. We need to call Tinsley.”

My fingers are shaking so badly I can barely unlock the screen. Maya gently takes the phone from my trembling hands. “I’ve got it, Rem.”

Maya puts the phone on speaker as it rings. Tinsley picks up on the second ring, her voice barely audible over the noise in the background.

“Hey, I’m so sorry I’m late. I got caught up at work. I just parked by the shop. I should be there in like five minutes.”

“Tinsley,” I gasp, fighting through the pain. “The kids are missing. Beaux and Birdie. We need your help.”

There’s a beat of silence. “Where are you?”

“You’re at the shop? Can you check to see if they’re there?”

“We need to get you to the hospital,” Maya argues.

“Not until I know they’re safe.”

“They’re here! I can see them through the window of the shop!”

Relief floods through me so intense it nearly brings me to my knees. “Are they okay? Are they hurt?” I demand.

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