“He’s threatening my sister, Vince! Don't you understand? I’m not going to stand by while he hurts the only family I have left.”

“Bree, it’s my job to protect you, and if I drive you there, I wouldn't be doing my job.”

I scoff, annoyed he can't see this from my point of view. “I understand that, Vince, but it’s either you drive me with backup, or I steal the keys and sneak off on my own. So, which will it be?” I hate that I’ve put him in this situation. I hate the look he has on his face as I yell at him, because he’s only doing his job. He’s only trying to protect me, but right now, I don't care aboutme. Liv and Tristan are in danger, and if they got hurt because of me, I’d never forgive myself.

Vince shuffles through his pockets before he grabs the keys, his gaze shifting to Emerson as he rounds the car to the driver’s seat. “Follow us, and call Chris and Duncan for backup. Nico’s already trying to work out a trace on his end, but Ralph is too good at masking where he’s calling from, so it seems like a dead end.”

“Got it, Boss.”

Vince slides into the car, and I’m practically sweating through my outfit as I frantically switch between calling Liv and Tristan, neither of them picking up. “Fuck! Rule number one is to always be reachable, and the fact that they aren't answering could mean a thousand different things.”

“Bree, it’s going to be fine. He could just be doing this to scare you.”

“Ralph doesn't just say things, Vince. You and I both know he always follows through.” I can barely breathe as he weaves through traffic, but the faster I can get to them and know they're okay, the better I’ll feel.

“Tell me exactly what he said.”

And so, I do. I reiterate every word from memory, because despite having a terrible memory and always losing things that are practically attached to me, every word of his sticks to my brain like glue on paper.

“Fucking hell. He’s escalating faster than before. He really said the word explosive?”

“Yes,” I say as a few tears threaten to spill over. God, I just wanted one night of normalcy. I wanted one night to pretend I could be a normal person going to support someone I love on a night that is supposed to be filled with happiness.

Leave it to Ralph to ruin every single crumb of happiness I have.

“When we get to the bookstore, you’re staying in the car.”

“No—”

“Bree, I’ll pull this car over right now. You’re staying in the car.” He enunciates every word, trying to get it through my stubborn head, but he should know I’m not going to listen. Not now. Not when Ralph is threatening Liv.

“Vince, I understand you’re just doing your job, but—”

“It’s not just my job, Bree.”

Before I have time to unpack what that means, he pulls up to the curb and races out of the car, the other Tahoe pulling up behind us. Emersonclimbs out, slamming the door, and a few seconds later, I see Chris and Duncan run into the store.

I feel like a sitting duck right now. I’m all alone in the car, and if Ralph has eyes on this place, he probably knows that.

What if this was his plan all along—to get me alone without protection?

What if he comes and grabs me, and everyone is too busy inside to save me?

All my thoughts are spiraling into one big panic attack, and before I continue down that spiral, I hop out of the car and run into the store, but not before kicking my heels off. I’d rather be barefoot than have to wear those five-inch weapons. I’d probably twist my ankle trying to run in those.

I step inside, and when I’m not greeted with absolute chaos, I can breathe a bit better. My sister spots me a few seconds before I do, and I run over to her, wrapping my arms around her.

She’s okay. Liv is safe.

“Bree, you’re shaking. Do you want some water?”

I can only nod as she pulls back from me, her eyes consumed with worry like they always are lately. “Did Vince brief you?”

Before I can answer, Vince pops over to where we are. “Yes, I did. Why the fuck aren't you in the car?”

“I was all by myself out there. I didn't feel safe, so I came inside. You can protect me here.”

His hazel eyes pierce mine, and I see him nod ever so slightly. “Okay.”