Chapter 33
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
The sunlight stings my eyes. Tears and morning sun must not go together. With hot frustration burning my skin, I leave Wolf and Mikail behind. I don’t care what either of them has to say.
I hit the parking lot at a run, and head for the white Dodge truck that Mikail drives. I need to get to Nan and get us a place to live. Mikail’s a good guy. I just hope he will help me.
The sound of his boots thud on the pavement behind me.
Sudden screeching tires have me spinning. I scream. But it’s too late.
The right fender of a white van tags Mikail. Sending him flying.
I’m so stunned, I’m frozen. Before I realize what’s happening, a man in a black face cover grabs my purse.
Not again! I never want to see a black face mask again after this last week.
Screaming, “Go! Go! Go!” He throws himself back into the van. Smoke rolls off the pavement as the thing bolts away.
With my entire brain misfiring, I lunge toward the crumpled body on the pavement. “Mikail!”
He groans, tries to sit up, but only manages to wiggle his fingers. “Fuck, that hurt. My shoulder is jacked. Today is so not my day.”
“Don’t move.”
He grabs my arm with his other hand. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, just be still. Save your energy. All they did was grab my purse.” I don’t tell him how extremely horrible this news is. Instead, I try to sound light about it.
He groans and winces as he tries to move his arm. “I’ll be okay, but you need to get inside. Go with the guy. If he can take me by surprise and pin me, he will keep you safe.”
Wolf leans over my shoulder, his breath sawing. “Jesus. That gave me a damned heart attack. I got the tag number. Police and rescue are on the way.”
I can’t speak for all the emotion that’s locked up in my chest. Mikail motions for Wolf, “Come here, man.”
Wolf lowers on his haunches so that he’s in Mikail’s line of sight.
Wincing, Mikail says, “Kate is the only thing that matters. I need you to promise you’ll keep her safe. I know you’re angry, but this trouble on Isla Rosa could mean she’s tangled up in something big.”
As Wolf looks across Mikail at me, he says, “I’ll take care of her.”
Police cruisers come tearing into the parking lot. An ambulance follows. When a medic takes over caring for Mikail, I take the chance to slip away. It’s all too much for me.