Page 111 of Badges
“How far behind you is Elena? Did y’all fight in the bathroom?” I’m starting to get antsy that she’s taking so long.
“What? No. She’s actually pretty cool.” Libby’s eyes widen. “I know, I’m just as surprised as you.”
“Yea, I think she fits in. Anyone who tries to save their family scores a point in my book.” Sophia pushes up. “I’ll go check on her.”
“No, stay here with Libby. I’ll go.” I can’t stand not having Elena within touching range.
Not with so many men here who I know can get grabby after a few drinks.
It’s hard not to think about Halloween six years ago and just how far a group of drunk bastards can go.
I’m halfway to the hall when Sawyer rushes up and latches on to my arm.
Where did his shirt go?
“I just saw someone grab your girl and drag her out back.” Fear tinges his expression.
Some invisible force slams me in the gut with a sledgehammer.
No!
Images fromthat nightrun through my head as I bulldoze my way through the crowd.
Blood.
That’s what I remember the most.
I’ve seen a lot of it through the years, but that scene still haunts my dreams.
Just the idea of that happening to Elena has me shoving bodies out of my path.
When I bust out into the frigid night, rage tints my vision red.
The sound of a scuffle and a woman’s cry calls me to charge in that direction.
Then Elena collides with me.
She’s alive!
“He’s here!” she screams. “He’s in the Phantom mask!”
“Go inside, find Val.” I have to stop this now.
Knowing Elena is behind me, I run as fast as I can, my boots thumping against the pavement.
A glimpse of movement in the darkness spurs me.
I’m going to kill this mother fucker.
Like a bird, white angel wings appear in the night over Sawyer’s bare torso as he rockets through the air to collide with a black form ahead of me.
“Get the—” The mystery figure crumples under Sawyer’s attack, sending both of them rolling.
By the time I catch up, they’ve stalled, but the dark elbow comes down hard, jabbing Sawyer in the ribs.
The kid grunts, yet holds on.
Grabbing a handful of the twisted cape, I drop my knee behind the neck of the struggling man.
