In the time it took for the door to open, the world stopped spinning. Standing with the sunlight streaming around him was Leon. He stepped closer, his shoulders stooped forward and his expression blank. Blood colored his shirt and suit coat in patches of crimson.
My stomach sank as I held my breath, waiting for the world to spin, for time to pass and give me the answers that were hidden. My trembling began nearing full-blown convulsions as I fought to stand. “Rett?” I finally managed the one name.
Leon turned to the side, looking outside of the shop. When he stepped back, the world again spun. The Earth’s axis was righted as the dark stare I’d seen in my dream was once again upon me.
Our bodies crashed together somewhere between the table and the door as Rett’s arms surrounded me, pulling me against him. His lips unapologetically found mine and everything and everyone around us melted away.
With my cheeks sandwiched between his palms, Rett’s brown orbs stared into mine. “I was so fucking scared, Emma. I thought I lost you.”
I took a step back, realizing that Leon wasn’t the only one with blood on his clothes. “What happened? Are you hurt?”
“It’s over.”
Leon had stepped inside, closing the door behind him.
“Mr. Ramses,” Edmée said, “please tell me about Ms. North.”
Rett turned to Leon.
Leon’s solemn expression morphed into a smile. “You must be Edmée.”
“Yes, sir, I am.” She stood, her frail shoulders straightening. “Now I asked a question.”
I placed my hand on Rett’s chest, feeling the beat of his heart and relishing the knowledge that he was safe. “Was my mother there?”
Rett nodded as he took both my hands in his. “She was. Kyle and William Ingalls too.”
“But you’re safe. You won?”
He tilted his forehead until it rested on mine. “I succeeded. I don’t know if winning is the right word. I maintained what was mine.”
“The city.”
He shook his head. “Something fucking more important than that.”
“What?”
“You, Emma.”
“Where is Jezebel?” Edmée said louder than before.
Leon lifted his hand. “Ms. North is probably in her home. Come with me. She asked that you be brought to her.”
Edmée bent forward as she stumbled backward. One hand went to the table to steady her while the other went into the air. “Praise be.” Her gaze narrowed. “Why didn’t she and Daniel come to get me?”
Leon pointed to his shirt. “She sustained an injury.”
Edmée gasped as she fell backward into the chair.
“It’s not life threatening,” Leon said. “The bullet grazed her arm. There was a lot of blood, but as far as healing...’cording to her, she’s almost there. The spirits protected her.”
Edmée nodded. “They do. I pray for that every day.” She turned to Rett. “Bullet, whose bullet?”
“Mr. Boudreau’s,” Leon said.
My volume rose. “Kyle?”
“He shot his mother?” Edmée asked.