Page 132 of Indecent Lies

But seeing them en masse at the door, Zara’s heart nearly exploded out of her chest.

Each breath she’d ever inhaled in her life became a number; she counted the inhales as she met each set of eyes.

Preacher in front.

Hawk and Grinder at his left.

Capone and Arson on his right.

No.

No.

No.

“Say it fast,” she croaked gripping the door frame just to lock her knees in place, the noise was pain in her throat. She circled her neck with shaking fingers. “Say it fucking fast.”

Their eyes displayed sympathy and she couldn’t take it, her feet stepped back even before she realized.

Expecting Preacher to take the lead and talk first, it was Hawk’s gravel-like voice which got her attention.

“He’s going to be okay. But he’s shot, they’re operating on him now. We’ve come to take you to him.”

Shot.

That’s all she heard.

Rider was shot.

He couldn’t be shot, she wanted to scream. He didn’t go anywhere today to get shot, but her voice wouldn’t come.

“Darling, he’s going to be okay.” This from Preacher. “Ruby is gonna sit with the kids while you come with us, okay?”

“Okay. Alright.” She spun around knowing she needed to grab her shoes and a jacket because Rider always fussed at her to wear a jacket even if it was just the slightest bit chilly out. He’d go crazy if she walked out of the house and she didn’t have it.

Shot.

He was shot.

What would she do if he wasn’t around to nag her about wearing a coat? Her whole chest caved in and she stood rooted to the floor unable to move.

It was then she felt an arm around her waist. Preacher again. “You sit right here on the stairs, darling. I’m gonna get you something to put on your feet. He’s gonna be okay, believe it,” he said again as if reassuring them all.

“Alright. Okay.” She repeated, seeing all those eyes on her. “My babies.” She said. “I want my babies with me.”

“We can do that, Z-girl.” Grinder spoke and he stepped in, touched her on the shoulder and went to pack up the kids.

“Have you told Ajax and Annie?”

“They’re on their way now.”

“And Gia?”

“My Gia was near the hospital already so is meeting us there.” Hawk informed in his tight, gruff voice.

Okay, good. That’s good.

She knew he didn’t speak much at all, if it wasn’t to Rider or Gia, so she appreciated him for giving her the words she needed.