Page 30 of Ozzie

“Are you at a safe house or something?”

I frown. “Safe house?”

“I’ve seen enough movies, and I’ll bet Durango knows of a safe house or two. And if he hasn’t taken you to one yet, put him on the phone.”

I laugh. My sister has a vivid imagination.

“Piper, this isn’t funny. I’m being serious!”

I laugh harder. “You’re right, and I love you. He did take me to a safe house.” And right now, I wished we’d stayed at Lightning’s cabin instead of what Durango wants to do. “But now, he’s with me twenty-four seven. I trust him to keep me safe.”

I leave off the part that I won’t be around him much longer. Durango can’t protect me forever. He has his own life to live.

“If there is anything I can do, let me know.”

“Thanks, Millie. Hey, I need to go.”

“Text me every day with an update. I’ll make sure everyone here is fully aware of what an asshole John is.” She ends the call, and I’m smiling for the first time in days.

“Hey,” Durango says. “Were you talking to Ozzie?”

“No Millie.”

He stares at me. “I spoke to Reed, and his dad agreed to take your case.”

I love my cousin, but he has to know I can’t afford someone that experienced.

“And don’t worry about it, I’ll cover his fees,” he says.

I open my mouth to object.

“I won’t take no for an answer. We need to shut this guy down. If he tries to text you or contact you in any way, tell me.”

My cousin covers a lot of my expenses already. I really don’t like adding more to it. But I’m not sure I have much of a choice right now. “I will. Thank you.”

He holds out his hand. “Now, let’s eat dinner.”

I take it and stand up. “You cooked already?”

He shrugs. “I microwaved a couple of frozen burritos. It’s all we’ve got until I have groceries delivered.”

“Delivered? Does that mean we’re staying?”

He turns to glance at me as we walk to the kitchen. “Well, you need to meet with Jerry to discuss this case. I’m not sure if you can leave while it’s ongoing. I’ll ask him tomorrow and figure out our next steps after that.”

We both sit down at the kitchen table.

“You’ll figure it out?”

He frowns. “Yeah.”

“No,wewill figure it out.”

“We’ll see.”

I want to kick him hard for that, but I don’t dare risk hurting my leg further. Instead, I ignore him. If he doesn’t listen, I already know what I have to do.

CHAPTER 10

---