I folded it, pressed it light against her eyes and got another whimpering sob.
“We’re here, baby,” I whispered, stroking her hair.
“There’s nowhere I don’t hurt,” she whispered back and rage tore through me as blood rushed in my ears. It took effort but I fought it back.
“We’re here,” I whispered. “You’re not alone, Serena. We’re here, baby.”
After a short while, the door opened, I looked to the opening of the hall and Creed filled it, ice bucket in his hands. He stopped close to me, handed me the bucket but held my eyes.
“Check it,” he mouthed.
I nodded.
Then I checked it.
Then I bent back to Serena.
* * * * *
I paced the hall outside Serena’s room but while I moved, my eyes were locked on Creed who was on the phone with Knight. Baldy, or Dr. Baldwin, a good doctor, a good man but one who accepted cash and kept his mouth shut, was in with Serena as was a nurse he’d called in to assist him.
I’d heard Creed’s side of the conversation and got from it there were two other girls who had since called in, both newish, both with all-nighter clients, both messed way the f**k up.
Pre-emptive strike. We f**ked up.
“Right, Sylvie and I will take the girls,” Creed said into the phone, eyes to me.
Oh no.
Fuck no.
That meant Creed and I were on check and security detail and would miss the action.
Again, f**k no.
I stomped to him, reached high, snagged the phone out of his hand and put it to my ear.
“Do not f**king bench me,” I snapped into the phone.
“Sylvie –” Knight started.
“Offensive, Knight and you f**king know it. Finesse is done. These ass**les pay. Find Live. Find out where the f**k Amy is and I’m all over that f**king bitch until she talks to me.”
“Babe, you know I trust you but this kind of shit, you got a hot head. Give the girls your touch, keep them safe and –”
“Bullshit. I got more control than you and Rhash put together when shit like this goes down.”
“I know you, remember?” he asked softly. “I can hear it in your voice. Your control has snapped, Sylvie. Rein it in and look after the girls.”
“She told me there was nowhere that didn’t hurt,” I hissed and Knight was silent. “Don’t bench me,” I repeated.
Knight took a beat then, “Don’t make me regret this.”
I lifted my head and jerked my chin up at Creed. He turned to Serena’s door, used the keycard and went through probably to brief Baldy we were leaving.
“You won’t regret it,” I promised Knight. “Get me the details on Amy. Two minutes, Creed and I are on the road.”
I disconnected and Creed came out.