Page 110 of Medium
“No!” Grandfather roared. “If you harm Rory, you will never see the afterlife. I will rip your soul apart just like Mercy and Garfield did to your buddy Randolph.”
Hugo was getting closer, about five feet away. His hand was shaking, but I wasn’t sure if I could move fast enough to shove his arm up before he pulled the trigger. From the way he hovered next to Hugo, Grandfather seemed to be having the same debate with himself.
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Shane clenching his fists and almost vibrating with the need to do something. I didn’t dare look at him in case Hugo decided to shoot him or Ellis first.
Distraction incoming.
I felt more than saw Ellis lean over and swing his arm out. Then a rolling sound with a clatter following it ran along the wall behind the sofa.
Hugo whirled to face the noise, and Grandfather and I jumped at him, pushing his gun arm up. He pulled the trigger, but the bullet went into the ceiling.
Shane reached over Grandfather to yank the gun out of Hugo’s hand. He tossed it toward the couch. He was saying something, but I couldn’t make it out since my ears were ringing again from the gunshot.
The front and back doors burst open, and a swarm of Hunters ran into the house.
Hugo’s legs went limp, and we lowered him to the floor. He clutched his left arm, and his breaths came fast. His eyes drifted shut. I could barely make out Grandfather yelling about Hugo needing to cross over damn fast because if Grandfather caught him, he’d never make it to the other side.
One of the Hunters patted Hugo down for more weapons. “I’m Dominic. Y’all okay?”
“Yeah. Yeah, we’re fine.” I looked around for Ellis and Shane, who were trying to get over to me but were held back by another Hunter. I left Hugo in Dominic’s hands and ran to my men, wrapping them in my arms.Thank fuck. Are you okay?
They nodded.Let’s find Pia so she knows we’re all right.
Plus I was dying to know how Ms. Jackson and Dimi had gotten her out of the house.
We hadn’t even taken a step toward the front door when Arch ran up and nearly tackled Ellis into a hug. Then he released him and scanned for injuries. “Are you hurt? Did you see a medic yet? Let’s get you to a medic.”
He began to drag Ellis toward the door, but Ellis dug in his heels and held onto Shane. “Arch! I’m fine. Stop it!”
Arch hesitated. “Are you sure? I’d feel better if you got checked out.”
Shane and I exchanged an amused glance, since apparently we didn’t rate the same level of care.
“I’m fine. I’d like my Yo-Yo back, but other than that I don’t have a scratch on me.”
I smacked a kiss on Ellis’ cheek. “You were amazing.” I turned to Arch. “Ellis distracted Hugo at exactly the right time.”
Ellis shrugged, his cheeks darkening. “It was just Runaway Dog. It’s a kid’s Yo-Yo trick. Like Walk the Dog but the dog gets away.”
Arch puffed up and he scowled. “What? Didn’t the man have a gun? That was dangerous, Ellis. You should leave the heroics to people who’ve been trained.”
I got between Arch and Ellis. “Thepeople who’ve been trainedweren’t there. Ellis is a grown man, fully capable of evaluating risks and making decisions under pressure.”
To my shock, Arch deflated. He ran his hand over his head and face. “You’re right. I’m sorry. Ellis, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have talked to you like that. I was just scared for you.”
I moved to the side so Ellis could respond, but all he said was, “Yeah? Well maybe next time have this conversation with yourselfbeforeyou talk to me like I’m a child. And speaking of children, we need to go find Pia.” He brushed past Arch and led the way out the door.
Shane and I mentally high-fived each other through the bond, and Ellis glanced back and made a face at us. But he was smiling.
Before we left the house I looked back at Hugo’s body. A loose circle of Hunters still surrounded him, but they were chatting and not on their guard. He’d passed.
Grandfather smirked at me. “He was so scared he crossed over in a blink. Hugo won’t trouble you again.”
As soon as we walked out onto the porch, Pia shrieked, “There they are!” She dashed through the crowd of Hunters and threw herself into our arms.
I wasn’t the only one of the three of us who got choked up as we held her.
“Are you okay, Pia?” Shane stepped back to scan her up and down, much like Arch had done to Ellis.
