Page 86 of Dark Endures

“Got it.”

Mindy’s probably pretty upset with me, but I can’t worry about that. “Make sure Mindy gets home safe, then shore up security here.”

Canyon’s face falls.

“If we haven’t left on our hunt before you get back, you can join us.”

“I’ll be back.” He rushes off.

Mindy is in for a ride.

Information is my first priority. I message Fiona.

Me: Can you bring them here?

Fea: They’re pretty upset.

Me: Want me to come there? Because I need information if we’re expecting more guests.

Fea: I’ll bring them to you. They act older, but they’re still just little girls.

Me: Noted

Jacko walks in. “I heard we get to feed the snakes today.”

“Hopefully, the girls can give us enough information.” I open the security wall and put on the exterior feeds. “The girls are sure our guests will visit us.”

“Should we lockdown?”

We haven’t had to do that in years. The world knows we protect our own to the death…theirs. “Let’s see what we’re getting into first.”

Brothers scatter about the edges of the neighborhood, making themselves invisible. Every single one of them is well-armed and ready to take an enemy out. “The girls are coming up now. Would you take the council and prepare for a full assault?”

“Can I bring grenades?”

Why not? “Sure.”

Jacko’s grin would scare the most experienced soldiers. “On it.”

I let Fiona up the elevator as Jacko heads out the back way.

Why is the world like this?

My phone chimes with an incoming message.

Enzo: Camera 8

I move that camera front and center. We already have a guest. A punk with his gun stuck in his pants and more jewelry than anyone should wear, including Louisella, strolls in like heowns the place. Rocky disables him and takes the weapon in a matter of seconds.

Now, it’s time to lock it down. I send out a notification to everyone.

“Maddox.” Fea gives me a warning before stepping in.

I close the curtains and the security wall. Not losing my mind when these girls talk to me will take every ounce of willpower I have. “Hey, Fea.” The tone of my voice stays calm and soft. I sit down in a chair to seem less threatening.

“This is Gracie and Anna. They understand you want to ask them some questions to help protect them.”

Twelve or thirteen. Canyon said they were twelve or thirteen. Those girls barely look ten years old. “If that’s okay with the two of you. When you’re here, you never have to do anything you don’t want to. We will protect you regardless. You’re safe and free.”

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