22. Laney
22
Laney
I smiled and shook my head. These two really think I’m a pushover. After a quick shower and getting dressed, I went to get Haley ready for her doctor’s visit. Her fever seemed to have gone down a bit, but I still didn’t want to take any chances by leaving her sick.
This was easier than I thought. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched the rearview mirror, resisting the urge to wave at Raven trailing four cars behind me. I had no intention of going anywhere with Haley feeling under the weather. When I pulled into the parking lot, I saw him drive by.
“Mommy, can I have an ice cream?” Haley asked.
“If the doctor says it’s okay, we’ll get some popsicles,” I promised.
“I like popsicles,” she sighed as I unbuckled her seatbelt. I picked her up, feeling the weight of how quickly she was growing. Soon enough, I wouldn’t be able to carry her.
The wait at the doctor’s office was short—just fifteen minutes before we were called in. After a quick examination, the doctor smiled. “It’s just a little bug going around. She should be fine in a couple of days.”
“Can my mama buy me a popsicle?” Haley asked eagerly.
The doctor chuckled. “Yes, she can. Popsicles will help soothe your throat. Make sure she drinks plenty of water and has some soup for dinner. Are you excited to start school next week?”
That’s when it hit me—Haley was starting first grade. I wouldn’t be going anywhere. “If you’re feeling better, we’ll get more school clothes this weekend,” I said.
“Can I get some cowboy boots like Ellie has?”
“I don’t see why not. But remember, we live in Southern California now. We need clothes for this weather,” I reminded her as I pulled into the grocery store parking lot. Spotting Raven parked down the road, I waved him over. He shook his head with a smile.
“Hey, can you wait here with Haley?” I asked. “I need to grab a few things. And seriously, I can’t believe you thought I was going to sneak off. My baby is sick, and she starts school next week.”
“What did the doctor say?”
“She’s got a little bug. The doctor said she can have popsicles. I’m going to make that old-fashioned chicken noodle soup Georgia taught me.”
“I’ll help you eat some of that—and make the biscuits,” Raven offered.
I walked over to him and hugged him tightly. “I’m so glad you’re my brother.”
He kissed the top of my head. “I’m glad you’re my sister, too. We just want to keep you safe.”
“I know. I want the same thing. Hopefully, no one is after us,” I said, turning toward the store. “I’ll be right back.”
“We’ll be right here waiting,” Raven chuckled.
As I shopped, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being followed. I kept glancing over my shoulder, telling myself it was just my imagination. But the unease lingered.
Leaving the store, I heard the hurried sound of boots behind me. My heart raced. I saw Raven running toward me just as a sharp pain seared my side. The world tilted, and I collapsed onto the sidewalk.
Raven drew his gun and shot the man who had stabbed me. Gritting my teeth, I managed to whisper, “Guard Haley,” before everything went dark.