Page 101 of It's a Wonderful Knife

River’s tone was peevish as he said, “We’reallsuffering. Not just Max.”

“I know,” Royce murmured, giving River an assessing look. “But I’m talking to Max right now, if that’s okay with you?”

River shrugged, running a hand over his hair. “I’m just saying this has been trying for all of us.”

“What do we do with this guy until help arrives?” Lucas asked.

“We’ll keep him restrained for everyone’s safety.” Royce rubbed the back of his neck. “Don’t want him stabbing anyone.”

“Did he confess to killing Santiago?” Girdy asked.

“Well.” Royce grimaced. “He says he killed a demon. Not sure how to translate that. Did he hurt Santiago thinking he was a demon? I have no idea. We’ll have to wait for forensics to tell us some stuff.”

“When help finally does arrive,” River interrupted, “how will we get across the river?”

Royce said, “I’m not exactly sure what they have planned.”

“Maybe they’ll send a helicopter to rescue us?” River looked hopeful.

Royce grimaced. “I doubt it.”

River’s tone seemed disappointed. “But the DPS has helicopters for rescue.”

“They do, you’re right. But I think things are being handed off to the Houston fire department. They’re going to be in charge of getting the civilians in the group to safety. I’m sure they have a plan to deal with the river. They know our situation.”

Frustration fluttered through River’s gaze. “You’d think the fact that a man has been murdered on the property would make us a priority.”

“I can’t tell them how to run things, River. I just have to wait like the rest of you.” Royce glanced around. “Did I see Richard heading toward the river earlier?”

“Yes.” I scowled. “He slithered off during the altercation with Dakota.”

Royce frowned. “Did he come back?”

“Not that I saw.” If Richard was at the bottom of the river, I wasn’t sure I’d care. But I wouldn’t say that out loud. Royce probably wouldn’t approve.

Mona walked up. “Royce, Lucas, I owe you a debt of gratitude for what you two did. I’ll never be able to repay you for helping Dakota.”

“Thanks aren’t necessary.” Lucas looked embarrassed.

Royce nodded. “We did what anyone would do under the circumstances.”

Except Richard.

“I don’t agree. I believe you two and Jax went above and beyond. Words can’t express my feelings.”

Both men looked uncomfortable.

“Anyway… uh… I’ve told everyone to head inside where it’s warm.” Mona glanced at the homeless man, and pity warred with anger in her eyes. “What do we do with him?”

Royce grimaced. “I was thinking maybe the attic?”

“Really?” Mona looked less than thrilled.

“We’d have to strip the room of anything he could use to harm us or himself. But it’s either lock him up somewhere safe or watch him twenty-four seven.” Royce didn’t look happy at the idea of that.

“I suppose,” Mona murmured.

“It’s just for the night,” Royce nudged.