“Looks like we have company,” one deputy told the other.
“Are the Knights your friends?” the second deputy asked.
“I guess.” I shrugged. “I work at the tattoo parlor.”
He went to open the door. “Evening, Storm.”
The prez ignored him and entered. “Are you okay?” he asked and peered at Nova.
“We’re fine.”
Grizzly and Maddox entered next.
“Do a sweep of the place,” Storm told them. Abe had told me Storm and a crew would be over to make my story believable.
“We already did,” the first deputy replied. “It’s clean.”
Grizzly and Maddox went about their business, disregarding the deputy.
“Tell me what happened.” Storm sat beside me.
“We already took her statement,” deputy number two said.
Storm growled. “Your services are no longer needed. I’ve got it handled.” He got to his feet. “Leave.”
The deputies looked at each other, then at me.
“He has it handled,” I reiterated Storm’s statement and shrugged.
“Fine by us.” The duo left. “Sheriff Hendricks will be in touch.”
Again, Storm disregarded them as he shut the door and returned to his spot beside me.
“Grizz is going to take you both to the compound. Abe will meet you there later.”
“Daddy,” Nova cried. “I want to see him.”
Storm’s eyebrows shot up.
“You will, baby. Daddy will meet us at Storm’s club, okay?” I cuddled her closer, wincing through the pain in my arm.
“Your man said you were injured.” He touched my left arm. “Patch can stitch you.”
“It’s not so bad.”
“Right. I don’t know what is with you old ladies, but every last one of you refuses to show weakness.” He shook his head.
“A lot like our men, right?”
“Right. Let’s get you out of here. Maddox and I will take care of the rest.” He reached for Nova. “Can I carry you, sweetheart?”
She let him take her, which I was glad about. I didn’t think I could carry her to the car. I swept my gaze around the house. I was confident I wouldn’t see it again, just like Stein.
“Breath, Karma. I can tell you’re holding your breath.” Libby rubbed my shoulder. “He’s fine, honey.”
“I know. I’m just…”
“Is she talking about, Daddy?” Nova’s intense gray eyes bore into me. “When is he coming?”