Page 18 of Night Moves

Grabbing his phone he makes a call. I’m only privy to his side of the conversation.

“I’m going in tonight.”

..-..-

“I don’t need back-up.”

..-..-

“I don’t give a fuck who’s on the way. Just have someone here by nine to guard Willow and Eizlee.”

Hanging up, he glances at me. “I need to work out some kinks in my routine. Do you mind going to the kitchen or your room? I need the space.”

I nod, unsure of what to say to comfort him. I feel his devastation, his anger. But he’s shut himself off. Focused only on what he sees as his mission.

My heart breaks for Eizlee and what she went through. I hope like hell she has no memory of all this later in life.

I slide my palm over my midriff. At least Vicky’s death was quick.

In the kitchen I busy myself with preparing a casserole for dinner. Something quick and easy that might last a couple days. Something, anything to try to distract myself. All the while wishing for my own revenge.

He struts and rolls, grinds and thrusts. Again and again. The sweat glistens on his body. He’s in so much emotional pain.

After checking on our little one, I grab a towel from the bathroom and dampen another. Waiting until he stops to catch his breath, I put both along with a bottle of water on the chair he’s using for his imaginary client. He nods his thanks.

When Eizlee wakes, we play in her room until I hear the shower come on. Then take her to the kitchen for a snack.

When he joins us in the living room he immediately lifts and snuggles her, kissing and cuddling her like he’ll never let her go. He won’t. He’ll love and protect her all of her life.

I understand his need. I felt the same, holding her, hoping that the trauma of being with a dead body would not linger. Only time will tell. Diesel will get her whatever help she may need. I wish I could be there.

“Thank you.” He holds my gaze. “For how you tried to help my sister. For saving this little one. For contacting me. It could have been so much worse with out you. I could have lost her, too.

“I know there’s something you aren’t telling me. Something that happened to you, I’m guessing in this city. Something you’re hiding or running from. I want you to know you can trust me. I owe you everything. Whatever I can do to help. I’m here for you. I’ll protect you.”

“Who’s going to protect you? Who’s going to be there for you if something goes wrong with these people? Please don’t do this. Don’t go on your own.”

“Diego can’t go. I need him on the street. I need Silo to watch over the two of you. Trust me. I’m trained. I can handle myself.”

He takes my hand, leading me to the kitchen counter and gives me a new burner phone.

“I won’t have my regular phone on me. I’ll be going by my dancer persona tonight, but you can call me on this. I’ve programed my new number for you. If you need me, if something happens. Text me. I’ll know it’s you just by the number.

“But you don’t have to worry about being safe. No one is getting past Silo.”

His phone buzzes. “That’s him. He’s on his way up. Look, he’s not much of a talker and he’s big. He’s got a resting asshole face but a heart of gold. He’ll protect the two of you with his life. Do as he says.”

The two men meet at the door, giving each other a bro-hug.

Diesel’s not wrong. Silo is huge. Only a couple inches taller, but broad, really broad, with muscles stretching his shirt to the bursting point. And a deadpan expression.

Diesel introduces us. “This is Willow, and the little cutie is Eizlee Jane. I understand you’ve been here before and know the security system.”

Silo nods.

“I texted you my new number and the number for Willow’s burner. I’ll let you know when I’m on my way back.” Diesel heads for the door.

I rush up to him. “Wait. I’ve heard things. Don’t drink anything. Not even an unopened bottle of water. They do something, slip you something. The management is dangerous. Please. Please be careful. W-Eizlee needs you.”

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