Page 128 of Saxon

"Jarrod?"

I hesitate. "I, uh…I sort of had to shoot him, a little bit."

She laughs. "You shot him…a little bit." A sigh. "How much is a little bit?"

"Um, all the way? His brains are on the outside." I gag. "It's fuckin' gross."

"Dammit." A pause. "I need to know where you are."

"Jean-Paul knows our location."

"Ah. I've been in contact with him. I'll see what I can do."

"Camilla?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry. I know how bad you wanted him for yourself. I…I know the feeling. But I…I had to. He was gonna…I had to. But I'm sorry. Not that he's dead, but…I'm sorry you don't get your revenge."

"I'll get over it. At least he's dead. And you know what? Honestly, I'm glad you killed him. I'm glad it was you, I mean. I'm glad a woman killed him."

"Girl power."

"Girl power, yes." She sighs. "Well, let me get a hold of Jean-Paul and see how fast we can get someone out there."

"Thank you."

"You're quite welcome."

She disconnects, then, and I scroll to the other contact in Saxon's phone—Inez.

Dial.

It rings twice. "Saxon. You've wrapped things up, I assume."

"Ahhh…well?"

A shocked pause. "Miss Connelly, I presume." The voice is smooth, cold, cultured, and ever so slightly accented, although I can't identify where the accent is from.

"Terra, yes. Saxon is alive, but not in the best shape. He took a shot to his thigh, and several at close range to the vest, as well as a kick."

"Have you bound the gunshot wound?"

"Yes. He showed me how to do a tourniquet with a stick and his shoelaces. He's passed out but breathing."

"Do you know how to take his pulse?"

"Um, maybe tell me, in case I forgot."

A soft laugh. "Just say no, Miss Connelly."

"Sorry, I'm…I'm a little shaken up. I…I…I killed a guy."

"Oh. Your first time?"

"Yeah." My voice is small and shaky.

"Breathe. You can't help Saxon if you're falling apart. You are a woman, Terra. We women keep ourselves together until the hard part is over. So. Take a deep breath, let it out slowly, and find your calm."