Dark Guardian (Black Hoods MC #3) - Avelyn Paige Page 0,11
wanted to discuss.”
This makes him chuckle.
I reach out and place my hand on his shoulder. “Kev, I don’t know much about being a parent. I think we all know that well enough. But I got a decent home, two extra bedrooms, and I would never let you or your sister down like your parents and your uncle did.”
Kevin’s smile disappears as tears form in his eyes.
“When you guys are experiencing your firsts, they’re gonna be firsts for me too. But fuck it, ya know? Better to learn together than to learn that shit on our own, right?”
Kevin nods, his eyes shining with unshed tears. “Right.”
Releasing his shoulder, I sit back in my seat. “And when it comes to girly shit like periods and new bras…” We both cringe. “Well, we’ll let Lindsey handle that.”
Kevin grins. “Agreed.”
Just then, Lindsey steps out from the bathroom.
“Well?”
“We’re going to need to make a run to the pharmacy, unless you have some extra maxi pads lying around.”
“Why the fuck would I have those?” It’s not like I’ve had a woman hiding out here. Not since Gina up and left, and that was two houses ago. Her shit was long gone after what she did.
Lindsey folds her arms over her chest and laughs. “Exactly. Why don’t the two of you head to the store, and I’ll help her get cleaned up. Get some ice cream too. Do you know what flavor she likes?”
“Mint chocolate, I think.” Kevin shrugs. “Is she going to be okay?”
“She will be, Kev.”
“Come on, son. Let’s go get what we need for your sister, and we’ll have a talk about why every man should be okay with picking up the feminine shit the women in our lives need.”
Kevin scrunches his face at me. “Why would I do that? That’s gross.”
“Brownie points, kid. Brownie points.”
Grace
This case haunted me all last night, to the point I didn’t sleep a wink. When my alarm went off this morning, I was already dressed and out the door. The inkling that these two kids’ story was worse than I feared nagged at me the entire drive to work. I tried to shake it off, but the feeling wouldn’t dissipate.
I have to help them someway, somehow.
A few minutes past nine, my desk phone rings. I don’t hesitate a single second to pick up when the school’s name flashes across the caller ID on my desk phone. Please, let them be there.
“DFPS, Child Investigations Division. This is Grace.”
“They’re both here. The secretary at the school office tried to get the plate off the pickup truck that dropped them off, but they left too quickly.” It would have been nice to have that information, but for now, the children being at school is enough for me.
“I’m on my way. Don’t let them leave if you can help it.”
“Why would they leave?”
“If there’s something amiss with these kids, they could have eyes on them. We can’t take any chances.”
“Oh, goodness,” she gasps. “Should I send our resource officer to their classrooms to gather them?”
“No, you might spook them. Just leave them be and keep an eye out. I’ll be there as quick as I can.”
Gathering a few things from my desk, including the case file I had put together with the two previous reports and photographs, I fire off a quick email to my supervisor, alerting him to the developments in the case. I don’t wait for his reply before I’m out the door of my office and halfway down the stairs to the parking lot. With wide, determined steps, I find my sedan in its usual spot.
I hear Greg’s voice calling out from the alleyway behind me. “Morning, Grace. Where’s the fire?”
“I’m sorry, Greg, but I don’t have time to talk.”
“Figures. I came all this way to see you,” he grumbles loud enough to hear.
“I’ll make it up to you,” I holler back, shoving myself into the car. “Milkshakes on Friday?”
“I’ll hold you to it.”
The last part comes out muffled after I close the door, but I can read his lips—strawberry. Firing up the engine, I take off in the direction of the school. The traffic is thankfully light for this time of morning, and I make it there in record time.
As I approach, the pale red brick building stands out against the more industrial nature of this area of town. Nestled near the back of the school’s parking lot is an expansive football field that dwarfs the building entirely. If there’s one thing about Texas, football is king here.