Page 74 of Outlaw Xmas
“Yeah, but I don’t wanna play.”
He kept walking to the SUVs. He wanted to get her out of there before the gunfire and the explosions started up. Jerking his head at Skinless, Axe opened the door of the vehicle.
Skinless tossed his cigarette to the ground, stubbing it out with the toe of his boot. “Just got the word to move in.”
“Shit’s about to get real.” Axe handed the prospect the scarf. “Put this around her eyes.”
“I don’t want that,” the girl cried, trying to wiggle out of Axe’s tight clasp.
“It’s just for a little bit. It’s a game.” He pulled the driver seat back and slid in, the girl still in his arms. Skinless went over to the truck and took off toward the farmhouse. After turning on the ignition, Axe cranked up the heat.
The girl rested her head on his shoulder. “How long we gonna play the game?”
“Not long. How old are you?”
“Five. Do you know Poppa?”
“Yeah. Where’s your mom and dad?”
She shrugged.
“Do you live with your poppa?”
“No. I sometimes sleep over. I don’t like too, but Mama takes me sometimes.” She yawned.
“Why don’t you like to stay over?”
“I don’t know. I don’t like Uncle Beau and Poppa makes me be nice to him.” She buried her face in his jacket.
Axe clenched his jaw as threads of fire wove around his spine. “You tell your mama you don’t like staying over?” She shook her head, her face still buried in his leather jacket. “Why not?”
“I’m not supposed to. Please don’t tell Poppa I said anything. I don’t wanna talk.”
He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “I won’t say anything. What’s your name?”
“Charity.”
“It’s a pretty name.” He wrapped his arm around her a little tighter, listening to her breathing. Seconds turned to minutes, and from the way she relaxed in his arms, he could tell she’d fallen asleep. On high alert, his eyes darted all around, making sure no one lurked among the trees or the underbrush.
Crack! Pop! Pop! Boom!The gunshots and explosions split the night. Charity jumped and whimpered in her sleep, not fully waking up. Billows of gray then black smoke mingled with the frosty air as streaks of orange-yellow flames illuminated the darkness. Axe wished he could be in the thick of the action instead of watching it as he babysat the asshole’s granddaughter. Happy the girl slept through the melee, he stared straight ahead, watching for Skinless and Rusty to come by in the pickups.
After a long while, wavering headlights made him squint as the two trucks came toward him. Then several brothers jumped out and made their way to Axe and the other SUV. A few brothers stayed in the pickups with the prospects, lifting their chin to Axe as they drove away.
“You driving?” Hawk asked, opening the driver door.
“I can. You wanna take her?” Axe replied. Hawk nodded and Axe started to hand her over when she woke up screaming.
“I don’t want to. Stop it.” Tears rolled down her face as she tried to tear off the blindfold.
“Charity, it’s me. I’m not gonna hurt you. Calm down. We’re almost done with the game. Remember?”
“You’re not Uncle Beau?”
“No.”
“I wanna stay with you.” Her voice broke.
“Take her in the back and take off her blindfold. She’s freakin’ out,” Hawk said.
