Page 55 of Rascal

“Holy crap. Is Kira stalking Rascal or me?”

“Both of you. She’ll monitor Rascal because of her obsession. Kira needs to replace you, I reckon. The bitch won’t stop coming because you’re a serious threat to her and the fantasy life she’s built,” King said.

“I agree. This woman is psychologically disturbed. With you locked away, I bet Kira fooled herself into believing she was the one Rascal wanted. Now you’re free, you’re destroying that. And when someone like Kira gets upset, people pay,” Hawthorne said. “You need to find Rascal and get him under lock and key. She’ll harm Rascal to draw Hallie out. Hallie, let’s get you somewhere secure.”

“I’m finishing my meal!” I declared.

“Eat on the damn way to your SUV,” Hawthorne snapped, standing up. “A public place like this is perfect for Kira to strike in.”

“I…”

“No!” Hawthorne stated firmly. “We’re making sure you’re safe.”

I snatched my fries and hot dog up mulishly and glowered.

“Move,” Hawthorne ordered, and I stomped off.

Rascal

I didn’t expect to see Hallie here, but I wouldn’t blow the chance.

“Hey,” I said, approaching her. Hallie smiled, and I blinked. Had her anger blown over already?

“Where’s King?” I asked, concerned.

“Somewhere.” Hallie shrugged my concern off. I reached out and grabbed her elbow.

“Look, I know you believe you’re tough, but Hallie, you shouldn’t be alone. What if Jane is watching you and waiting for a chance to grab you?”

“Jane? Stalker girl? Aw, you do care,” Hallie smiled, and her eyes became misty. “I was starting to think you didn’t.”

“Hallie, you know I do. What I said yesterday was messed up, and I’m sorry. It came out like I was only worried about my brothers. I had no right asking and making you feel small or belittled.”

Confusion flickered across her expression, and then Hallie squared her shoulders. “No, you shouldn’t have. I have feelings, too.”

“I shit all over them, and I apologise.”

“Fine. Come on, let’s walk,” Hallie said and slipped an arm through mine. I was confused. That was it? She wasn’t going to bust my balls or make me jump through hoops. I glanced down at Hallie’s serene expression; it was as if yesterday had never happened. Had I pushed Hallie too far?

“Babe, don’t give up on me,” I begged.

“I haven’t given up, Shane. Why would I do that?”

Simultaneously, several things hit me at once. Pyro, Chance and Phil Gold rushed at me, panic on their faces. Second, either Hallie had shrunk a couple of inches overnight, or this wasn’t her. Third, was the knife arcing towards my stomach. I leapt back, stumbling, and the blade slashed across my abs, cutting a thin line.

“Stop touching and kissing her! You belong to me!” Jane yelled as people screamed and began running and blocking my would-be rescuers.

Jane took off into the crowd. Pyro skidded to a halt and swung me behind him as Chance and Gold rushed past me.

Boots pounded the ground as Smokey and Wraith arrived.

“Get the prospect back to the clubhouse now,” Pyro ordered. “Jane’s here and attacked him. Go!”

Without another word, Tiny and Shotgun hauled me away. Blood was soaking my tee, but I knew the cut was shallow. I just hoped the damn knife was clean.

Hallie

We heard screams coming from in front of us and paused.