“What the hell is going on?” I asked as the sound of tires crunching gravel got my attention. Quickly removing my weapons, Gadget and I took up a defensive position around the SUV when a black sedan stopped behind us and killed its lights. Pointing my gun, ready for anything, I waited as the passenger and driver-side doors opened.
“What the hell,” I murmured, mainly to myself, as Giovanni and Layla stepped out of the vehicle. Holstering my gun as they walked over to me, I said, “What the fuck are you doing here, G-man?”
“Phantom,” Giovanni sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as Layla interrupted and asked. “Did she get Reaper’s daughter?”
“What the hell did you just say?” I asked, shocked, turning to Giovanni as Layla rushed over to Ari as she stepped out of the vehicle with the little girl still wrapped around her.
Holy fuck! The little girl was Reaper’s missing kid.
What the fuck was going on?
“Oh, thank God,” Layla said, hugging Ari and the girl. “I was so worried. I didn’t know if you’d be able to do it. I was afraid I was going to have to ask Giovanni to let me go in by myself. That wasn’t a conversation I wanted to have.”
“It’s good to see you again, Layla,” Ari smiled. “You look much better.”
“I have my good days. How is she?” Layla asked, tenderly caressing the little girl's back.
“She’s scared. Are you sure about this, Layla? I don’t mind taking care of her. She knows me best.”
“It’s not safe, sweetie. You know that. Don’t worry. Gio and I will protect her. She is going somewhere safe till this mess is taken care of. I promise.”
Ari had tears in her eyes as she tightened her hold on the little girl, “I just got her back. She needs me Layla. I promise I will protect her. I can do it. Please let me take her.”
“Oh sweetheart, I know you can protect her. I have no doubt in that regard, but the clubhouse isn’t safe. You know that. I promise it’s only going to be for a few days. I give you my word. She will be loved and spoiled. She will want for nothing.”
Ari sniffed, then bent down, forcing the little girl to stand before her. “Emma, sweetheart, you remember Auntie Layla, right?”
The little girl nodded.
“Auntie Layla is going to take you somewhere where you will be safe. Can you be a brave little girl a bit longer? I promise it’s just for a few more days, then I will come to get you. Okay?”
“Will my daddy come too?”
Ari smiled. “Of course, sweetheart. I’ve met your daddy. He is anxiously waiting to meet you. He is so proud of how brave you’ve been and when he brings you home, you can meet your baby brother.”
“I have a baby brother?” the little girl sniffed as Ari brushed her hair away from her face.
“Oh yes. He’s still very little and I bet he would love to meet his big sister. So, can you be a brave girl for a few more days? For me?”
“I can do that, Auntie Ari.”
“Good, now go with Auntie Layla and I will see you again soon.”
I said nothing as Layla held out her arms for Reaper’s daughter. When the little girl went to her, Layla picked her up and hurriedly headed back to their car. Giovanni was there, ready to open the back door for them both. When Layla and Reaper’s daughter were secured, Giovanni walked over to me as I looked questioningly at him. “I just found out about her a few hours ago.”
“Reaper is going to lose his shit when I tell him. I can’t keep this from him. I refuse to think about what Ghost will do to my ass when he finds out Ari was involved. You just make damn sure nothing happens to that kid. I will take care of Reaper.”
Giovanni smirked. “I think I have the easier job.”