“Wasn’t me.” Track raised his hands, a wry grin playing on his lips. “I don’t even have a gun on me.”
Pussy.
Hendricks rolled his eyes.
“It was self-defense,” Hero said, Mr. All Business. “Our lives were at stake. She’s one crazy bitch, stealing two babies, Sheriff.”
Again, Hendricks rolled his eyes. “So it was you.” He looked at me.
“She took my son.” I didn’t think twice about pulling the trigger. It was best to keep that detail to myself. “She’s linked to the Rat Brotherhood in Fargo.”
“Yeah, I’m up to speed on who she is. Emilee’s doing okay, by the way. Put that gun away and go get your boy.” He put his hands on his hips and looked around. “I’ll deal with this.”
“Appreciate it, Sheriff. Hope you can make it to the wedding next weekend.” I was sure he’d be there. He’d known Emilee since she was in diapers.
I jogged toward Wolf, anxious to hold my boy.
“Hey! Who’s gonna be your best man?” Track hollered.
I didn’t pay him any mind. As if he didn’t know it was him.
24
Emilee
An hour had passed since the babies were taken. I was going out of my mind, trying not to fear the worst. I wouldn’t let myself go there. Dante and Birdie had to be okay. I wouldn’t accept any other outcome.
Tara and Sugar stayed by Maddy’s side. I hurt for her and her sweet Birdie, who was collateral damage in this horrific mess—the mess my dad had created. I couldn’t believe Misty was Tami’s sister. I’d never made the connection, but I’d mostly avoided Misty after the incident in the bar. It made sense though. They were both witches.
“I’m so sorry, Em.” Dad held my hand. He must’ve apologized a dozen times already. I could tell he was exhausted, but he hadn’t complained. His attentiveness was how he’d always been with me after Momma died.
Well, until Tami had entered the picture.
“I know, Dad.” It was all I could say. I was in shock and numb, not in any position to deal with him.
I had a pounding headache from getting knocked out by what Patch suspected had been a gun. He’d put in a couple of stitches in the back of my head.
“What if she gets away with them?” Maddy muttered. “My baby…” She cried into her hands.
“Storm will bring her back,” Tara told her. “He’ll bring her back. Every available man is out looking for them.”
Tears rolled down my cheeks, having thought the same. It repeated in my head over and over, no matter how hard I fought it.
What if they don’t get Misty? What if the babies are hurt?
What if? What if? What if?
“Dodge asked me for my blessing.”
I turned to look at my dad. “He did? When?”
He seemed surprised. “You didn’t know?”
“No.”
“Oh. He had a beer with Storm and me. He wanted to clear the air and ask me for my blessing. He said he didn’t need it, but it’d make you happy if I gave it to him. Is he always so defiant?”
I nodded. “Only when something is important to him.”