Page 73 of Raff
I hated that she had to see that. But…
“I saw the bruises on her neck,” I said. “That was the fate he had planned for her. Seems like karmic justice to me. At least we don’t have to worry about Drake anymore.”
“About that…” Huck said, exhaling hard.
“Don’t say it.”
“I had Arty send over a picture of Drake to confirm. This wasn’t him.”
“So, what? A pro?”
“I have Arty on that now. And the guys are working on getting the body out of there.”
“Wait… what happened after? What’d you say to the girl? She heard a woman scream.”
“She heard a loud bang too,” York said. “I convinced her that Lula had a nightmare and then fell out of bed. And that I had to get her to the hospital. It was mostly true, at least. I got her out of there then went back for Lula. That about sums things up.”
“How was she right after?” I asked.
“A little disassociated,” Velle supplied. “I get the feeling she’s not someone who is used to being taken care of.”
“No.”
“And maybe strong and independent… almost to a fault.”
“That’s her.”
“Teddy said she was quiet on the ride but kept putting her hand up to her cheek.”
“Bastard knocked her tooth out.”
There was a chorus of hisses.
“It was a back one, thankfully. But it’s gotta be sore.”
“I’m sorry,” York said, shaking his head.
“This isn’t on you. This is on me.”
“I’m gonna be the level-headed one here and say it’s that Drake asshole’s fault.”
“I wanna know how he knows we’re not only in town, but where to find Lula.”
“That’s a good question,” Huck said. “But maybe for tomorrow.”
“And what about tonight?” I asked. “I can’t make her go back to that house. Can one of you recommend a good hotel?”
“I could,” Huck said, nodding. “Or Teddy offered his penthouse. I’m offering the clubhouse. If this guy is pissed that he failed and wants to come again, Lula would be surrounded by a lot of guys with guns.”
“Yeah, but you and Che have families there. Think maybe a hotel is a good bet. A penthouse with a private elevator. That leads into a vestibule or hallway, not the suite itself. Any ideas?”
“Teddy has a few of those. I’ll get him on picking the one he thinks has the best security.”
“Thanks. Anything else?”
“About Slash…” Huck said.
Shit.
