Page 46 of Gideon

“I like popsicles,” she sighed as I unbuckled her seatbelt. I picked her up, feeling the weight of how quickly she was growing. Soon enough, I wouldn’t be able to carry her.

The wait at the doctor’s office was short—just fifteen minutes before we were called in. After a quick examination, the doctor smiled. “It’s just a little bug going around. She should be fine in a couple of days.”

“Can my mama buy me a popsicle?” Haley asked eagerly.

The doctor chuckled. “Yes, she can. Popsicles will help soothe your throat. Make sure she drinks plenty of water and has some soup for dinner. Are you excited to start school next week?”

That’s when it hit me—Haley was starting first grade. I wouldn’t be going anywhere. “If you’re feeling better, we’ll get more school clothes this weekend,” I said.

“Can I get some cowboy boots like Ellie has?”

“I don’t see why not. But remember, we live in Southern California now. We need clothes for this weather,” I reminded her as I pulled into the grocery store parking lot. Spotting Raven parked down the road, I waved him over. He shook his head with a smile.

“Hey, can you wait here with Haley?” I asked. “I need to grab a few things. And seriously, I can’t believe you thought I was going to sneak off. My baby is sick, and she starts school next week.”

“What did the doctor say?”

“She’s got a little bug. The doctor said she can have popsicles. I’m going to make that old-fashioned chicken noodle soup Georgia taught me.”

“I’ll help you eat some of that—and make the biscuits,” Raven offered.

I walked over to him and hugged him tightly. “I’m so glad you’re my brother.”

He kissed the top of my head. “I’m glad you’re my sister, too. We just want to keep you safe.”

“I know. I want the same thing. Hopefully, no one is after us,” I said, turning toward the store. “I’ll be right back.”

“We’ll be right here waiting,” Raven chuckled.

As I shopped, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being followed. I kept glancing over my shoulder, telling myself it was just my imagination. But the unease lingered.

Leaving the store, I heard the hurried sound of boots behind me. My heart raced. I saw Raven running toward me just as a sharp pain seared my side. The world tilted, and I collapsed onto the sidewalk.

Raven drew his gun and shot the man who had stabbed me. Gritting my teeth, I managed to whisper, “Guard Haley,” before everything went dark.

23

Gideon

“What doyou mean you’re at the hospital? What the fuck happened?” Gideon demanded over the phone.

“Laney was stabbed coming out of the store. The guy ran up behind her. Can you have Gage bring you here to get Haley? I shot the guy who stabbed Laney. I searched his pockets and took his wallet. I want to know who hired him.”

“How is she? Fuck, I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

I called Gage and told him what happened.

“I can’t believe the guy moved so fast,” Gage muttered, helping me into his truck.

I managed to stand on my own before hopping inside. “I’m getting better.”

“You’re doing great. But how did that man move so quickly? Do you think this was just some random psycho?” Gage asked, glancing at me.

“I don’t know,” I replied. “Raven stole his wallet. We’ll find out as soon as we get there.”

“Laney was in surgery when Raven called me. She took Haley to the doctor because she wasn’t feeling well. She must be terrified.”

The moment we parked at the hospital, I spotted Raven with Haley. Gage grabbed my wheelchair from the truck bed.

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