Page 129 of The First Cut

“Yes, god, yes. Thank you, and thank you for watching him for us.”

“It’s no problem at all. I’ll watch him anytime. He’s a sweetheart, just like his sister.” She winks at Millie, making her blush.

She eases Evan into my arms, his weight seeming far heavier than usual thanks to how weak I feel. I pull him close and breathe him in. There's no better smell in the world. I press my lips to the soft downy skin of his forehead and mummer to him how much I love him before my eyes start to get heavy again.

“I think you better take him. I don’t want to drop him.”

“I’ve got him, don’t worry,” she says gently as she takes him from me. “We’ll leave you in peace, but I’ll bring him back for another visit tomorrow if you’re up for it.”

“Absolutely.”

“Alright then, night.” She heads out, and I see her old man, Germ, waiting for her. He nods to me before following behind them.

“Let’s get you back too, Millie.” Byte walks closer, his hand reaching out to squeeze my foot.

“You sure I can’t stay?” she questions.

“You really don’t need to watch me sleep. Come back tomorrow with snacks and some playing cards. I’ll teach you how to play poker.”

“Deal.” She grins, giving me a hug before pulling back.

“Am I missing the party?” Gunther appears in the doorway with a couple of drinks in his hand, bending down to scoop the fallen teddy off the floor.

“Oh, this is for you, Lola.” Millie takes the teddy from Gunther and lays it on the bed next to me.

“He’s adorable. Thank you.”

She beams a grin at me.

“Glad you’re okay, Lola.” Byte winks before offering Millie his arm. “Milady.”

She blushes. “You’re such a dork, Byte.” But she takes his arm anyway.

“You should go too,” I tell Hannibal, knowing he wants to stay.

“Doll—”

“I know you have a package that needs dealing with. Go do that while I sleep. It will make me feel better knowing it’s done.”

Reading between the lines, he gets what I’m saying. I need this to be over. I need Evan and Millie safe. For that to happen, I need Driller to be dead.

“Alright, but I’m leaving Gunther here, no arguments. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to leave you alone again.”

I sigh but give in. “Fine. Now kiss me and go do what you’ve gotta do.”

“So bossy.” He kisses me gently before pulling back and staring at Gunther. “Any issues, you call me.”

“You got it.”

“Come on, Millie. We’ll wait for your dad in the car.”

“Bye, Lola,” Millie calls out as Byte leads her out of the room.

Hannibal hesitates before growling. “I don’t want to leave you.”

“You can’t stay. It has to be you. If I can’t see the proof that he’s gone, then you’re the only one I’ll believe to tell me the truth.”

“Even though I didn’t protect you?”