Chapter 67
CHAPTER 67
“ M elissa.” Herc turned to our undertaker. “Wrap this one to go, please. There are some people who are going to need proof of death. I’ve got a truck that will be here shortly.”
Melissa looked at Pike, who nodded. She went out, and Poppy and I just stood there, holding on to each other, stunned. That kind of nonchalant violence . . . a gun battle was one thing, but flat-out executions . . .
I looked up as Herc loomed over me now, but all he did was hold out his hand. “The film, please.”
He did not seem like a guy to say no to. I let go of Poppy and took the canister from my pocket and handed it to him.
Melissa came back with a body bag and a gurney. Max helped her load the body onto the gurney and she zipped Serena into the bag. She rolled it out the door and disappeared into the darkness with it.
Herc watched the whole thing, still smiling.
“All’s well that ends well.” Herc touched a finger to his forehead, a salute, then in as fake a southern accent as was possible said, “Y’all take care.”
And I thought, Hell, no.
I threw my arms around him and said, “Thank you, thank you ! You helped save my baby! I’m so grateful. ” and I saw Max’s lips tighten, pretty sure he was trying not to say, Don’t do it, Rose .
“Glad to help, little lady,” Herc said, losing that damn smile as he pulled away from me as fast as he could.
Little lady? I’m 5’9”, you jerk , I thought.
Then I slipped the film canister back into my pocket and put my arms around Poppy again.