Page 50 of Bitten By Zombie

Heidi whipped her gaze to Santa. “What?”

Why would he admit to being with her brother when it could tie them to the whole mess?

“Sorry, Rabbit.” He used Zombie’s pet name and looked properly apologetic, but she could see a glint of something else.

This was all part of the plan. A part Outlaw didn’t tell her about.

“I was just so mad about what I saw on the news. She was never missing, and he damn well knew it. I heard their conversation when she told him she was staying with her boyfriend. Shit, I swear she’s deaf as loud as she keeps her phone.” He turned to her with an apologetic smile, but again, that wasn’t what his eyes told her.

The cop from EC seemed irritated and impatient. “And what did Miss Müller’s brother say?” The other cop gave him the stink eye before turning to Santa.

“Please, answer the question.”

“He didn’t say much of shit. Not with his voice, anyway. I wasn’t even halfway to the front door, and the bastard shot at me. So, me being the smart motherfucker I am, got the hell out of there, and now I’m here.”

Heidi heard herself gasp.

“The Prophet is not a bastard,” the young cop shouted.

“Officer Taylor, wait in the hallway. That’s an order.”

Officer Taylor was none too happy about being left out, but apparently, he valued his job more than defending his prophet, so he left.

“I’m sorry, Heidi. I know you love your brother, but he’s not a good guy, no matter how many times you say to the contrary.”

She didn’t defend him. Not even once.

“I’m sorry you had to hear that, Miss Müller. Maybe you’d be more comfortable…?” He trailed off.

Now everything was clicking into place. She was only in on some of the information because they needed her reaction to be genuine. It was to protect her. A sense of belonging, family, overcame her. She could return the favor by playing her part.

“No, thank you, Officer. Shawn’s right. At some point, I have to stop defending him just because he’s family and accept that Stan is no longer the big brother I remember.”

She caught Shawn’s hand in both of hers. “I mean, the big brother I grew up with would’ve never shot someone, but I wouldn’t put it past the man who claims I’m dead simply because he couldn’t pick my friends.”

“Yes, well. Can you tell me anything about the weapon, Mr. Cooper?”

Heidi held his hand while he described the gun and retold the story of how he got shot. She didn’t have to fake her reactions. They came naturally. She wasn’t sure how much was accurate and how much was embellished to protect them all, but it didn’t matter, her emotions were all over the place.

“That’s enough for now, Mr. Cooper. We’ll be in touch.”

Once the officers left, Outlaw took his cut from her and put it back on.

Heidi turned to Santa, not knowing what to say.

Finally, she simply leaned over and wrapped him in her arms and let a few tears fall. “Thank you.”

She wasn’t thanking him for whatever went down. She was thanking him for being the brother she needed. For caring.

“You’re family, Rabbit. Thanks aren’t necessary.” She heard the emotion in his voice, and it brought a few more tears.

“Heidi.” Outlaw tapped her shoulder. “We should head back.”

She almost asked why when she thought of Zombie.

Alone.

All alone after everything that happened. She didn’t want to be okay with her brother gone, but she was. What she wasn’t okay with was that the men of the Royal Bastards had to live with making it happen.

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