Page 71 of The Rowdy Ones

“I’m going to take you to the lobby now,” the woman explains, “where you can wait for your family. You just let me know if you need anything else, hon.”

Before we can exit the break room, I hear a commotion down the hall. It’s as if a grizzly bear burst into the police station and is roaring.

“Where the fuck is my sister?”

Rowdy!

Thank God he’s here.

I’m fuming as I search the lobby, finding no signs of Destiny.

Uncle Atticus got the call from his brother that she was being held for questioning, but he quickly instructed the detective to release her. We hopped in the truck and hauled ass to the station.

She discovered another body.

And they’re treating her like she was the murderer.

Un-fucking-real.

“Destiny!” I yell, not caring that I’ve drawn the attention of every person here.

“Dogs aren’t allowed—” a police officer calls out to me, but I cut them off with a snarl.

“Service animal,” I bite out. “Mind your business.”

A disheveled blonde in a drab gray outfit emerges from a doorway in the long corridor. As soon as I see the aluminum cane, I know it’s my sister. I bolt down the hall, leaving Uncle Atticus and Wild behind. Scout trots after me, barking at her.

“Rowdy!” she cries out, face splotchy red and teary-eyed.

I snatch her to me like she weighs nothing, crushing her to my chest. The second Uncle Atticus told me what happened, I was stressed the fuck out over her well-being. All I wanted was this. To be here for her and to hold her. Cradling the back of her head, I whisper assurances that everything will be okay. She sobs against my chest. Scout whimpers and whines at our feet, nudging his body against our legs. He can have her later.

She’s mine right now.

“Where are your clothes?” I demand, vibrating with anger toward these people.

“They needed them for evidence.” She hiccups as hysteria takes over. “I thought it was you, Rowdy.”

“I’m right here,” I rumble, kissing the side of her head. “I’m okay. You’re okay. Breathe, sweet Dez.”

Her body trembles and she gasps for breath. She’s freaking the fuck out. I’m so glad I got here when I did.

I scoop her up and don’t give a damn that every person near me is gawking at us. She manages to hold on to her cane while still clinging to me. Her fingernails dig painfully into my neck as though she’s afraid if she lets go, even a little, I’ll disappear.

I’m not going anywhere.

On the way through the lobby, Uncle Atticus nods at me and remote starts his truck. I’m grateful for him and Wild. They can handle the police. I need to comfort my sister. Once outside, I trot along the snowy ground, holding Destiny tight to me in order to keep her warm. After flinging open the back door of the truck, I climb inside with her into the back seat. Scout hops in too.

I’m able to relax a bit. The vehicle is still warm from our drive here, so at least she’s okay temperature wise. With her in my lap and Scout beside us, it’s comfortable. He whimpers, his doggie senses on alert.

It’s okay. We’ve got her now.

“Let me take my coat off,” I tell her gently as I sit up. “I’m going to warm you up.”

She’s shivering wildly and her teeth are chattering. I can’t tell if it’s from the cold or shock. One I can help with. After yanking off my coat, I wrap it around her and pull her back to me. I can’t believe how small she feels in my arms. So fragile and breakable. A delicate flower that could so easily be crushed. Raking my palm over her hair, I do what I can to bring her comfort.

“Talk to me, Dez,” I say when she stops crying so hard. “Tell me everything.”

She’s quiet but eventually begins to speak. “Weston took me there to, uh…”