Page 55 of From the Shadows
Jeremy smiled, got up, and made his way to Shay. When he got there, he wrapped his arms around Shay’s neck and hugged him tight. “I think you’re a pretty great person anyway.”
The warmth that flooded Shay’s body was unlike anything else he’d known since his parents died. A feeling of family that he’d missed so much. He truly believed he belonged here, with this motley crew. His new family.
He hugged back. “Thanks, kid. You’re pretty damn awesome yourself.”
He grinned as he nodded at the board. “So, if I promise to play by the rules, can we do another game?”
Ranna groaned, but Shay laughed. “Yeah, we can. Ranna is dying to go again. Aren’t you?”
“Oh, yeah. Of course.” Then her forehead wrinkled. “Have you seen Jakar recently? Usually he hovers, but he hasn’t been around that I’ve seen.”
Shay snickered. “Last I knew, he was in the parlor arguing with Hal. He called Hal stuffy, and that was answered with Jakar being an assh—jerk.”
“Well, to be fair, neither of them are wrong.” Ranna snorted. “You do have a point.”
Jeremy diligently put the money from last game back in the bank. As he did, Shay glanced at Ranna. She looked like she’d rather gnaw off her arm instead of playing again. Shay didn’t really mind a do-over, especially since he’d hopefully taught Jeremy alesson. Still, he had to balance the needs of both of his charges, so maybe they should consider something else.
“Hey, Jerm? Know what I made last night after you went to sleep?”
He jerked his head up, his eyes wide. “What?”
“Blueberry cheesecake ice cream.”
“No way. Youmadeice cream?” he asked incredulously.
“Oh, yeah. This was my first try. I love learning new things. If I timed everything right, it should be just about perfect right now. What do you say we do a game later, and the three of us go enjoy it before everyone else comes back and eats it all?”
He pushed the game to the center of the table and slapped the cover on. “Yes!”
“Ranna? Wanna try my creation?”
She frowned. “My girlish figure might never recover, but what the hell. If this experience has shown me anything, it’s that you only live once.”
They all made their way into the kitchen. Just as Shay was pulling out the bowls, the phone rang. He hurried to pick it up, and when he heard the scream, he froze.
“Who is this?” he demanded. “Diego? Is that you?”
“Shay? Shay, I need?—”
Then there was silence. Shay spun around, the worry on Ranna and Jeremy’s faces obvious.
“What’s wrong with D?” Jeremy demanded, his voice shrill, panicked.
“I don’t know, but I’m going to find out.”
He headed for the door, but even wounded, Ranna was faster than he was. “You’re going nowhere.” She clutched his arm. “Shay, they got me down. You wouldn’t stand a chance against them.” She turned her head. “Jakar, you are needed! Now!”
A moment later, he came rushing into the room, his clothes disheveled. Any other time, Shay would be happy to tease him, but right now, he needed to focus.
“Did they say where they were?” Ranna asked.
“No, he was cut off before?—”
The phone rang again. Shay answered before it stopped ringing. “Diego?” he asked, desperate to hear his voice on the other end.
“This is Charla. I’m a… friend of Diego’s. He and Martin are in terrible trouble. It’s all happening so fast. He needs help at the Marchand warehouse. I’ll give you the address. You need to hurry, though. I’m not sure how long he and Martin will be able to hold them off.” She rattled off the numbers, and then she was gone.
“I have the address, but it’s on the other side of town.”
