Page 152 of Steel

“So, it turns out, Mr. Moore’s family has a cabin in the hills of Tennessee. That’s the address.”

Kerrion snapped his fingers. “That’s it. I remember now. Donna and her mom went there last summer. She said it’s a tradition dating back to when she was a little girl. We were supposed to go when KJ got a little older.”

Something flashed on one of the larger monitors. When the image populated, we saw that it was camera feed.

“I got into the security camera,” Quaid said.

He scrolled through empty footage of the outside of the house. All we saw were deer, birds, and squirrels for the most part. Then it happened. He stopped the recording at the exact moment Ms. Anita pulled up in the car she’d driven away in. She got out and went to the back to grab KJ. I went to Kerrion’s side and grabbed his hand. My chest tightened as we watched her ascend the steps to the front door.

KJ was sleeping peacefully as she fumbled with the keys. Kerrion’s grip on my hand tightened as he watched the screen.

“He’s okay,” I whispered, rubbing his back. “He’s okay.”

“I have to go,” he said. “Now.”

“I already sent word for them to gas up the jet,” Deuce said, looking up from his phone.

“I’m going with you,” Senior said.

“Me too,” I spoke up.

Kerrion’s head snapped in my direction. “No. You need to stay here with Nayelli. If something happens, I don’t want you caught in the crossfire.”

“But—”

“No, Neha. I promised I’d protect you, and I can’t, knowingly put you in harm’s way. I can’t focus if both you and KJ are in danger. Stay here with our daughter so I can bring our son home.”

I stared at him for a moment before nodding. “Okay.” I turned to Senior. “Just make sure you bring my boys back to me.”

He grabbed my hand and kissed it. “I got you, baby girl.” He turned to his son. “I have to ask. What do you want to do with her? I know that’s a hard call to make.”

Kerrion inhaled deeply. “I don’t know, Pop. She needs help, and I don’t think . . . IknowI can’t bring myself to do her in. I just can’t. And I can’t have y’all do it either. I love that woman. I loved her daughter. She’s my son’s grandmother. I know she’s not a monster. She’s just sick with grief and doing something irrational. I’m not going there with the intent to kill her, and I pray it doesn’t come to that.”

Pops nodded. “I’ll follow your lead on this one.”

I couldn’t imagine just how hard this was on him mentally. He didn’t want to hurt her, but I knew if it came down to it, he would do what was best or whatever forced his hand.

“I’m just gonna play it by ear,” Kerrion finally said. “It’s up to her how this is going to end.”

Deuce sighed. “Just stay strapped. We don’t know what’s in that house or what she brought with her. Grandma or not, Iwon’t hesitate to shoot if you are in danger. I’d rather have that on my conscience than losing you.”

Kerrion sighed. “I hear you, but me and Pops got this. Too many people might scare her, and shit can go left real quick. I want this to be as peaceful as possible. I don’t wanna traumatize my son.”

Deuce frowned but nodded. I could tell he was the protective big brother that hated to see his siblings face danger without him. If he could save them, he would.

Senior looked around at everyone. “Y’all head on home. We have a few things to discuss before we get ready to head out tonight.”

Everyone made sure to hug him and Kerrion before they left the office. He walked me to the door and pulled me in for a hug. His embrace was a little tighter than usual.

“Are you gonna be okay with this?” I asked, pulling back. “You can always let your dad handle it.”

“I don’t have a choice but to be good. I keep thinking about Donna and how she would want me to handle this. She would be devastated if I killed her mama. I don’t want that on me. I just want her to surrender KJ and herself. She can go to a mental facility or something, but I don’t want her in jail, and I don’t want her dead. She just needs help. Her grief is officially too far gone.”

I nodded. “I hope she come peacefully.”

He sighed heavily. “Me too.” Cupping my face, he kissed my lips. “Go on to the house. I’ll be back in a little bit to pack and say goodnight to Nayelli.”

“Okay.”