Page 46 of Property of Scythe

But why didn’t he stab me today?

Fuck. I know the answer. He’s not done yet. The killer wants to inflict more pain and suffering. He’s going to attack again. Maybe he wants to break me.

But he’s fucking with the wrong people. Messing with Lottie, me, and the club? That’s where he fucked up. Nobody fucks with what’s mine.

And nobody fucks with the Kings.

This fucking psycho is really starting to piss me off.

I DRIVE TO MY HOUSE, but we aren’t staying there. I’m picking up Pops and Mila, packing a few bags, and we’re going straight to The Barn. Until this killer on the loose is dealt with, we’re on lockdown.

Mils is watching a movie as my father sits in a recliner, reading a book. He’s not too big into the princess stuff, but he tries for his granddaughter.

“Hey, munchkin,” I shout as I enter the living room, relieved when Mila rushes toward me, throwing herself into my embrace.

“You’ve been gone, Daddy.”

“I have. Sorry, princess.”

She turns to Lottie, stomping her little foot. “You left me!”

Shit.

Lottie lowers to Mila’s level. “You’re right. I did. Your dad needed me, and I knew you were safe, so I helped him.”

My daughter pouts. “I missed you.”

“I think I missed you more,” Lottie admits. “How about a hug?”

Mila nods.

They embrace, and Lottie squeezes her a little too tightly.

Mila gasps. “You do it like Daddy.”

“Huh?”

“You give me squeeze hugs like Daddy. That means you’re his princess too.”

I don’t hesitate to answer. “Yeah, she is.”

Hangman chuckles. “I can see that.”

“We’re going to be staying at the clubhouse, Pops.”

He sets down his book. “Boomer texted me.”

Then he knows what’s going on. “I’m going to help Mila pack a bag.”

He rises from his seat. “I’ve already done it.” He gestures to the entryway where there are two bags packed and ready to go. I missed them when we walked in. “Mila helped.”

Good. She would have the toys she wanted.

“Do you need anything?” Lottie asks.

I don’t. “I keep a room at the clubhouse. I’m good.”

We already discussed my reasons for wanting to stay at The Barn on the way here, and Lottie agreed. She knows there’s safety in numbers. Keeping everyone together ensures no one is attacked alone or caught by surprise.