Page 59 of Hidden Rocco
Rocco called through the door, “Who is it?”
“Room service.” The man stared at the door as if willing it to open.
No. Rocco stood back and puffed out his chest like he might block the room from an intruder.
A second later, the doorframe rattled like someone kicked the door repeatedly. Would it hold?
He braced to ensure no one passed him in the small nook near the door, scanning the room once more for a possible weapon but coming up empty.
A split second later, the door splintered and the man in the nice suit fixed his tie and said, “That one’s in my way.”
And he’s stay in the way, until his last breath.
Another man followed on his heels, someone he hadn't expected to see again.
Bear.
Out of all the people to betray him, it was the one he'd helped free from prison because he’d been his roommate.
Bear charged at him like this was a football game and he had the ball, throwing himself toward Rocco. Rocco knocked him back and swung, getting in a solid punch.
Jacob cried as the other man tried to get to the crib. Rocco stood in front of Jacob and blocked both men. “Get out of here.”
Bear barreled into his stomach and the man in the suit hit his face right where he’d been punched yesterday.
His face stung but he refused to move. Jacob wasn’t going anywhere. He said to his former cellmate, “Bear?”
Bear pummeled a large fist into Rocco’s gut as he said, “These people pay too much to turn down.”
The other man in the nice clothes tried to reach Jacob again but Rocco used his muscles as a human shield. “I won’t let you touch that baby, Bear.”
Bear knocked him back and they scuffled in place. “You don’t get a choice, Rock.”
Bear hit him so hard that Rocco’s ribs cracked and he fell back against the wall, staying upright. “I freed you and I’ll end you.”
The other man passed by as Bear tackled Rocco, who struggled and managed to evade falling down. “Rock, this is Mo.”
The other man, Mo, took a step toward Jacob.
Rocco lunged to get him away from the baby and blocked the path to the crib, knocking a lamp out of the way as Mo said, “And this little one is my nephew.”
Jacob screamed and Rocco grabbed the baby to him so the men would have to go through him--he turned his back, protecting Jacob with his body.
A shot rang out in the air.
For a second he didn’t move. Jacob hugged his neck and then Bear, who was closer to the door, rushed out of the room.
He glanced behind him and saw Mo on the ground and Mica collapsed near her suitcase with the gun still in her hand. He stepped over the man who had blood pooling at his back and reached for Mica.
She grabbed his hand to stand and then instantly reached for her son. Rocco searched Mica, still in her towel, for signs of nerves or an oncoming attack, to see if she needed her medicine.
She cooed to her baby,her face pale but determined, her body strong. “Jacob, it’s okay.”
Rocco handed her the clothes she'd laid out for herself. “Mica, the cops will be here soon. Get dressed. Tell them I shot the guy. I don’t want you in trouble.”
“I’m licensed and this was self-defense. Relax. I won’t let you take the rap for me.” She kissed Jacob’s head. “Mo wanted to kill my son.”
He nodded and stood near the door so she had a moment to dress as he said, “So are you free now?”
