Page 37 of Redd

Vicki might have been young, but she had to grow up quick, we both did.

Sitting in my car, I watched her go inside, just like I did every morning. That girl meant the world to me, and I would do anything to keep her safe.

Just like I always have.

Fuck! Why did I have to go to that house?

Scratching the top of my head, I dragged my hand down over my jaw and worked it side to side. I fucked up. I should have listened to my gut when it told me to go home.

You saved that girl.

Would you really go back and change that?

That wasn't even something I could debate. No, I wouldn't have changed a fucking thing. That woman needed someone to step in, she needed someone to intervene before it was too late.

I would do it all over again if I had to.

Pulling out of the school, I was determined to find out more. I had to know who she was, why she was there, and who the fuck I was dealing with.

If what I did was going to put Vicki in danger, then I was going to have to do something to fix it. We were done running, we were done bouncing around like outcasts.

I was retired from the world of crime, and I had built up enough for the both of us to live on for years. This place was going to be for her—for usto build new memories, good memories.

And I couldn't shake the thought that my ego had just fucked that all up. I might have just drawn a huge target on my back, with a big flashing red light.

Vicki needs me, I'll do whatever the hell it takes to keep her safe, nothing will stop me. She deserved some form of a real childhood.

Turning out of the parking lot, I drove straight home.

That woman needed to tell me everything, every last detail about why she was in that house.

I needed answers.

And she was going to give them to me.