Unknown sender:Check the glove box.
My mom opens it up, pulling out a white dove with a chipped wing. Gasping, she looks my way. “How did this get here?”
I shake my head, swallowing hard. “Who all knew we were at that cabin?”
“No one. I swear.”
“Ma.” My expression hardens and my voice deepens. “Who?”
She sighs, setting the ornament in her lap. “I might have told your father and Everett after all.”
My teeth grind together. “Why would you do that? Didn't I tell you neither can be trusted?”
“They wanted to help, and we can't do this on our own.”
“We can't if you keep letting other people into our lives!” I slam my hand on the center of the steering wheel, the horn releasing a soft honk.
“Mijo, he—”
“Stop. Just stop. He doesn't care about us, Ma. He never did. Now wake up from your little fantasy world and realize that.”
“I'm not sure it's me who's living in the fantasy world this time,” she says. “Those men would have killed us but they didn't. Why do you think that is?”
“I'm taking you to Rosa's but I'll be staying somewhere else from now on.”
“What? Why?”
“It's not you they’re after anymore. It's me, so I'll be sure to lead them my way.”
I need to be back home in my element, where I know every backwoods, alley, and street. Too many open spaces and being secluded was a bad idea. I thought we at least could have Christmas to ourselves, but I was wrong. They'll keep coming, ruining every moment and every holiday until they take them all from me permanently. I've allowed them to claim too much as it is. Now it’s my turn.
Thirteen
Everett
I place the phone in my pocket, smiling as I pull away from the cabin. I parked in a hidden area behind the trees. I knew they were coming because they had been following me all week, watching me the last few days, hoping I'd go to him. I didn't know where he was and even if I did, I wouldn't have gone without taking precautions. Even if it would have been difficult not to. They found him anyway. I don’t know how, but Maria must have made way too many phone calls lately and told the wrong person her location.
Pulling onto the side of the road, I unlock the door and Connor slides in. “What the fuck, man? That was not cool, leaving me like that.”
“I had to make sure there weren't any more of them.”
“What about the bodies?”
“I already called it in. I said I had been in contact with Ignacio's mom and she was concerned there were men outside the cabin. I mentioned she didn't trust anyone else so she contacted me.”
He nods, sitting up straighter in his seat. “Should we stay for when they come?”
Shaking my head, I pull onto the road and sirens blare in the distance. “I mean, I should, but I won't. They can take my statement later.”
“I can't believe I let you drag me into this shit.”
Huffing, I shoot him a grin. “Don't act like you didn't enjoy it.”
Rolling his eyes, he shifts in his seat. “I wouldn't tell you if I did.”
My stomach shakes as laughter spills from me. “It's good to be working together again.”
Sighing softly, his lips tilt. “Yeah. All my other jobs lately haven't been nearly as fun.”