Page 21 of Falcon

“I fell down the stairs and hit the door. Here, give me Jayes.” Myka reached for Jayes, who I noted went willingly into her arms. He snuggled in as Dawson offered a disgusted snort. It was clear what he thought and believed.

“Jayes’s ankle is black and blue and double the size. It might be fractured,” I declared softly, and she nodded.

“Ain’t broken, kid’s got a sprain. Thanks for carrying him home, but fuck off.”

“Jayes needs a checkup,” I stated and faced Dawson.

“Yeah, whatever. Get lost, ain’t tipping you for bringing him back,” Dawson said, sipping his bottle insolently.

“Are you going to be okay?” I asked Myka, not liking the vibe I was picking up.

“Of course,” she replied, and I sensed it was by rote.

Dubiously, I eyed her. “Myka, you goddamn lazy bitch, I told you to get me another beer!” Dawson snapped.

He smirked at me as I caught his gaze. “Shut the hell up.”

“You’re on my land, asshole. Don’t like it? Get the fuck off. You delivered the kid. I’ll handle it from here.”

I moved forward, but Dawson didn’t have a lick of common sense. Dawson held my eyes and stared at me.

“Take Jayes to the hospital. I’ll check back in a few days and see how he’s going.” It came across as a threat, and I meant it as one.

Dawson stepped backward, and regretfully, I walked away. I could hear him shouting at Myka as I did. Christ, what was she doing with him? She was beautiful, although desperately underweight. Somehow this asshole had gold in his hands and didn’t recognise it. I suspected mistreatment, but had no evidence. Myka was one of those people who’d deny abuse if the cops turned up. My hands were tied. I couldn’t rescue someone who didn’t want to be rescued. I felt bad for her, but Myka needed to reach out for help. Until she did, she was, sadly, alone. There were too many women like her.

But I’d make sure I checked up on Jayes. He was innocent, and if they didn’t look after him, I’d report it to the authorities. Poor fuckin’ kid growing up in a house like that. I shook my head and finished my run.

Chapter Five.

Myka

Dawson was furious. That man, whoever he was, had set him off. There was nothing worse than Dawson feeling disrespected in his own home. He’d phoned his brother, who was now on his way around. My night was going to be terrible. Dawson had that look in his eye. Damn that guy. I’d needed one more week, and I’d have been free and clear. Instead, I’d get a beating as punishment.

Lawson arrived, and not alone. I cringed when I saw Rawson, too. Yeah, their mother was white trash. How stupid do you have to be to name your kids Lawson, Dawson and Rawson?

I swallowed hard. Rawson was a lunatic. Jayes couldn’t stay tonight; Dawson was in a mood.

“Dawson, I’m going to take Jayes next door to Mrs Hannigan to sleep. That means you can enjoy this night,” I murmured.

“Get us a beer, bitch,” Dawson snarled, and I hurried away. I gave them two beers each, grabbed Jayes, and got him out.

“Not again, Myka?” Mrs Hannigan asked as I knocked.

“Just tonight, please. Rawson’s here,” I murmured.

Mrs Hannigan pursed her lips, but nodded. “Myka, I’m off on a cruise tomorrow, Myka. I won’t be back for a month.”

“Okay, Mrs Hannigan. Honest. I need tonight.”

“Fine,” she said and took Jayes.

“Be good, angel,” I whispered.

“Jayes always is,” Mrs Hannigan replied and shut the door. Scared, I rushed back to the house to ensure the chilli wasn’t burning.

“Get in here,” Dawson yelled two hours later.

I hurried in immediately; I recognised that tone. On my way, I grabbed three more beers; they’d already run through a crate of twenty-four. If Dawson got drunk enough, I might escape a beating.