42. Chapter 42
Chapter forty-two
Pony
I swing Remi into my arms, carrying her out of the house past the begging, crying, screaming voices of the auction attendees who, despite being caught red-handed, insist they weren’t involved in anything nefarious.
I can feel Remi trembling against me. The thought of how close I came to losing her hits like a punch to the gut.
It’s raining, not hard but a steady drizzle, when we exit the mansion.
Outside, red and blue lights flash from multiple vehicles.
FBI agents and local law enforcement load the prisoners onto a bus for transport.
The SEAL teams help the hostages into ambulances.
Coroner’s vans arrive to collect the dead.
Forensic units enter the house to begin gathering evidence.
Ricochet approaches and drapes a blanket around Remi’s shoulders. We make eye contact, and I shake my head in response to the silent question he asks, letting him know she isn’t alright and needs space.
Remi grips my vest in her fists, pressing her face into my chest.
“Hang on, baby. I’ve got you,” I promise as I carry her to the edge of the noise and activity, out of sight of prying eyes.
It’s then that she breaks. The normal sounds shatter when the floodgates open, and Remi unleashes a heartbreaking wail from the depths of her soul.
Hearing it, my vision clouds with my own tears. Tears I haven’t felt in years.
I cradle her firmly against my chest, trying to hold her together while she falls apart.
I find an unattended ambulance and sit on the bumper out of the rain.
Her body quakes against me with great, rending sobs.
I can’t take away her pain no matter how badly I want to.
The only thing I can do is let her know I’m here and try to make her feel safe.
“I’ve got you, Remi. Let it all out.” I hold her closer and let her cry.
Even with the chaos all around us, time slows to a crawl. Sometime later—it could have been minutes or hours—exhaustion takes over and Remi’s tears begin to subside.
“I knew you’d come,” she murmurs.
“Nothing could’ve kept me from finding you.” I gently swipe the tears off her face. “Are you hurt? Did he hurt you?”
“I don’t think so. Just a few bruises. But…” She takes a deep, shaky breath. “I’m not okay. I’ll never be safe. They’re never going to stop hunting me.” Her eyes fill with new tears.
“Hey. Hey. Thornton is dead. He can never hurt you again. The Consortium can’t hide their secrets anymore. Whatever happens, I’m here. I’ll be right beside you. I’ll do everything in my power to protect you, Remi.”
Her big brown eyes peer up at me. I’m not convinced she believes me. Andrew Thornton haunted and tormented her. It’s going to take time for her to accept the truth, and that’s not something she needs to do right now.
“He’s really dead? You killed him?”
She knows it’s true, she saw it herself, but still needs the reassurance. “Yes. He’s dead. And every other bastard here tonight who isn’t dead is being arrested.”
“Thank you.”
My hand strokes up and down her back in a soothing motion. “For what?”
“For coming to get me. For killing the monster.”
“I’m happy to slay all your monsters.”
“I’m glad you killed him. He needed to be put down.”
“He did,” I agree.
It’s then that Doc appears like an apparition, as if he’s been waiting in the shadows for the perfect moment to approach. His voice is calm and compassionate. “Hey, RJ. I’m going to give you a sedative if that’s okay with you.”
She keeps her head pressed against my chest but nods her agreement. Doc slips the blanket off her shoulder and administers the injection. Then, surprising me, he cups her cheek. “You’re one of the strongest, bravest people I know, RJ. You’re going to be okay, sweetheart.”
That sets off a new round of tears. Doc squeezes my shoulder and leaves us alone again.
I rub her back until I feel her go limp and know the sedative is taking effect. She’s passed out, no longer suffering, at least for a little while. I stand, climb into the ambulance, gently lay her on the gurney, and take her hand in mine.
The rest of my team appears and gathers around the opening.
Ricochet asks the question they all want answered. “How is she?”
“I’m worried. She’s so strong.” I scrub my free hand over my face. “But what she’s been through is enough to break anyone.”