Page 119 of Mouse Trapped

I grin. “She’ll be relieved.” The baby is almost two weeks overdue, and she hadn’t wanted to be induced.

“About fuckin’ time.” Blade comes over. First he grins, then he frowns. “Had that meet arranged with the Wretched Soulz.”

“About that,” Mouse tells him. “Prez asked if I would go with you.”

Blade holds out his fist for Mouse to bump with his, “Appreciate that, Brother.”

“Which leaves me a problem. Who’s going to pick up Drew?”

“Me.” It’s the only option. One look at his face tells me he’s not on board. “Look, Tse. I’ll be picking up Drew along with all the other parents. Nothing’s going to happen to me, right? There’s been no sign of my father. I’ll be quite safe.”

He glances at Blade as if for reinforcement, but Blade shrugs. “Can’t see what else you can do, Brother. Of course, I could go to the meet by myself.” The look on his face suggests he’d rather have company.

Tse’s hand snakes over my shoulder, he grabs hold of my hair, tugging it gently so I’m forced to look into his face. “Straight there and back, Mariana. No stopping.”

When he releases me, I nod.

“Got an idea.” Blade disappears out back, then returns a few minutes later.

I can’t immediately see what he’s holding, but Tse does. When Blade shows him the back, he bursts out laughing.

“What is it?” I screw up my eyes.

“A bullet-proof fuckin’ vest,” Tse grins. Then he shows me what Blade has chalked on the reverse.

Property of Mouse.

Blade sniggers. “Figured it’s more protection than a property cut.”

I huff, not certain whether they’re serious or not. If they are, I don’t like it. “You’re being ridiculous. I’m not wearing that.”

Tse and Blade look at each other, then in unison they tell me, “Yes, you are.”

So an hour or so later, I’m driving into Tucson wearing a freaking armoured vest. When I make a promise, I keep it, even though I think it absurd. I’ve also got a gun in the glove box and the knife Blade had given to me in a sheath strapped to my ankle. Overkill. But there’s no doubt Tse’s concern gives me a warm feeling. He’s doing his best to protect me, even when he can’t be there to do it himself.

As I drive, I spare a thought for Sam, wondering how she’s doing, and what gender she’ll have. I’ve a sneaking suspicion she’d like a daughter, but will be a great mom again whatever she has. Eli is a little rascal, a handful, but then, with Drummer as his father that’s not unexpected. Already he seems to assume people will jump to his demands. Could Sam handle two like that? Yes, she could.

My mind turns to thoughts of what it would be like to have a baby of my own. I’ve been a mom to Drew for six years. Once he’s older and no longer such a responsibility, it would be nice to have a family with Tse.

I’m still full of happy thoughts as I turn into the parking lot for the school, parking close to the playing fields. I stay in the car as I’d promised Tse, listening to music on the radio and singing along.

The boys start coming up, one by one the cars leave the parking lot. I tap the steering wheel in time to the beat, appreciating the excellent sound system in my brother’s car. I brought his, so he could drive it back and get in a bit more practice.

Come on, Drew.When half the cars have gone, I start to get impatient. When a few more leave, I begin to get worried.

Stay in the car.Tse’s voice echoes in my head, reminding me. My hand goes to the door handle, then returns to my lap. Another car leaves. One more and I’ll be the only one here.He’s probably stayed back to talk with Coach.

My blood suddenly runs cold. I see Drew, but there’s another man with him. A man Drew doesn’t know, but who I recognise.It’s my father.

I open the door, my heart beating frantically, and step out. The man’s leading Drew toward the only other car in the lot.Drew wouldn’t go with him, would he?

Drew’s not looking at all comfortable, the man is too close. I can’t immediately see what’s happening, but need to get my brother to come toward me.

“Drew,” I call out. “Over here. Now.”

The urgency in my voice gets Drew’s attention on me. His eyes widen, at the same time as my father turns the gun which had clearly been the persuasion he’d used on Drew, toward me. Our father chuckles, a sound which grates on my nerves. Then fires without any warning.

Christ! Drew screams as I feel like a horse has kicked me in the stomach. I go down hard on my knees, my hands immediately going to my belly to staunch the flow of blood, unable to comprehend my father’s shot me again.And this time there’s no one to save me.