Page 81 of Grace of Spades

"Is she okay?" He asks immediately.

"As good as she can be. Can I ask you a favour? Keep it on the down-low?"

"Of course."

"I need to get a morning-after pill but I don't want to leave her for too long." I can see the rage and violenceseep into his eyes.

"I trust you took care of the issue?"

"He's still around but he has a nice souvenir that will let everyone know." I shrug. "I figure I can let him walk around like that for a while before I finish the job."

"Good." He nods harshly before walking away. He's such a good guy.

I walk back upstairs to find Kennedy curled up on herself again on the bed. I snuggle up next to her and let her cry. I hold her as she lets it all out. We don't talk. We don't need to right now. We'll talk when she's ready and not a moment before.

After a long night of comforting Kennedy through nightmares and tears. We wake up and head downstairs. Ruby is waiting for us with a breakfast feast which we happily gorge ourselves on. I've noticed I'm starting to eat more which is nice. I'm also gaining a bit more muscle.

I feel Kennedy freeze beside me and I'm instantly on alert.

"What's wrong?" I ask she doesn't say anything she just points to the TV that is broadcasting the news.

"A school teacher was viciously attacked and mutilated yesterday at the movie theatre on Grand. Police have reason to believe there is more to the story than he is telling." The announcer provides. "If you have any information about the event please call..." I let the rest fade away as a picture of him and my handiwork make its way on the screen. That "S" is going to bother the crap out of me.

"Did you do that?" Kennedy asks.

"I told you, everyone will know what he is," I state not looking at her. I'm kind of afraid to see what she thinks of me. I feel a large hand come down gently on my shoulder. I look up to see a proud Richard smiling at me before he hands me a brown paper bag.

"Thank you." I smile before discreetly passing it to Kennedy.

"Thank you... for everything." She whispers before hugging me tightly.

"Anything for you." I smile. After storing my bike in the back of her SUV, I take Kennedy home to change and receive a call from Ray.

"Hey, Little Mama. I heard some interesting news over in your neck of the woods." He greets.

"Whatever do you mean?" I ask innocently.

"Apparently, some guy got carved up."

"Huh, there are some real psychos out there," I admit. He chuckles.

"Be careful."

"Yes, sir." I sass. My chest hurts a bit at pretending, but I know it's for the best until I know what's going on with him. We hang up and I call Gabe to see how our plans are progressing.

"Hey. I was just about to call you. I need you to come in for a tattoo appointment at lunch." He explains in a hard tone. Shit.

"Okay, I'll see you at noon." I nod even though he can't see me. We hang up without fanfare just in time for Kennedy's return.

"Alright! Ready to fight another day." She mutters as we pull out of her driveway and make our way to school. I still think she should have stayed home or at my place today but my girl is stubborn.

30

Christian

Richard and Ruby are whispering in the kitchen when I walk in. Immediately, the news is turned off and they stop talking. I narrow my eyes and look between them. What are they up to?

"Oh! Christian! Are you hungry?!" Ruby asks a bit too loudly, her smile a bit too bright. Huh.