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Jesse shook his head. “By attacking my employee here, we caught everything on camera. Security is downloading a copy of the recording now to give to the police. We have the threats you made to Ezra.”

“So?” the woman spat.

“Do you know what a hate crime is?” Jesse asked.

The woman glared.

“We need to leave.” The man tried to pull the woman toward the door but security stepped in their path.

Behind security, two police officers entered the shop.

“Officer Wright. Officer Glenbrook,” Jesse said. “Thanks for getting here so fast.”

“Just a warning,” the female officer said. “We had to put the call over the radio.”

“Which means Eric is already on the way,” Jesse said.

“They all are,” the male officer replied. “We better get this done fast before we have to arrest some of our own.”

Suddenly he felt lightheaded. Lake grabbed Jesse’s shoulder.

“Baby?” Jesse asked as he turned.

Lake opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

“Lake!” Jesse grabbed his arms. “You’ve gone pale. Stay with me.”

“Take him into the kitchen,” Officer Glenbrook ordered. “We need to get his statement. We’ll talk to him there. He doesn’t need to see this.”

“Come on, baby. Come with me.”

Lake let Jesse lead him to the swinging doors. The shaking was getting worse. Lake didn’t understand. He’d been brave. Lake had stood up for his friend. He’d protected Ezra and Annabelle.

He knew he was in the kitchen, but the room wavered.

“Sit down for me, Lake,” Jesse encouraged.

That was a good idea. Maybe his knees would stop going weak. Lake pressed his back to the wall then just slid down. Jesse kept hold of Lake’s arms until the cold tile was under him.

“Mas, can you get Lake some water?” Jesse asked.

Water sounded good. Lake’s throat hurt.

“Lake?” Ezra crawled over to him.

Oh good. Lake could see clearly again. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Ezra set Zeb on Lake’s lap while continuing to clutch Al. “Zeb and Al are fine too. They thought it was a game. They’re not mad at you.”

Tears filled Lake’s eyes and he tried to blink them away.

“They’re not mad,” Ezra repeated.

“Not hurt?”

“I can check them over for you,” Jesse said while crouching in front of him. “First you both need to drink some water.”

Ezra leaned against Lake’s arm.