Page 130 of Lau Ahi
I turned and saw the large SUV that had come to rest against a tree. It had scraps along both bumpers and markings from where they’d apparently used the machine to pry open Ori’s door.
I could feel my adrenaline wane and my knees threatened to buckle but I caught myself before I allowed such a disgusting display of weakness.
“Miss, please?”
I watched as Ori was lifted toward the embankment with some type of winch system that I’d originally assumed was for the car.
“Fine. But I’ll climb out.”
“I can’t let you do that. Between the accident and the cuts on your fingers—”
“But it’s—”
“Your husband has threatened everyone here to ensure your safety since he can’t. I’m sorry but I think I’d rather deal with your anger than his.”
I blinked slowly feeling my head tilt the way Jada’s did as I assessed this man like he was my next victim. “Oh dear. That was such a grave mistake.”
“Excuse me?” He’d heard me but wanted desperately to be wrong.
“Nothing. Show me what I need to do so that we can get on with it. I need to check on him and call our families.”
He nodded, still wary of me, which settled me more than his kindness. “We’ve grabbed your purse for you already. Just follow me and we’ll be sure to take care of both of you.”
ORI
“‘E needs to wake ‘is giant arse up. Too much goin’ on fo’ ‘im to be takin’ naps while the world turns wi’out ‘im.”
I rolled my eyes even in my sleep because leave it to Liam to be complaining about my being unconscious. As though I’d asked for this shit.
One quick inhale confirmed I was in a medical facility and when I opened my eyes I knew it wasn’t a public one or a military one.
“Guess you were right. Talking shit did work.” Yacouba was sitting on the arm of a sofa that was dwarfed by his massive size.Priest, Xerx and Liam were spread out throughout the room and without question I was sure that Smoke’s ass was standing guard outside the door. The only person missing was Jemma Marie as far as representatives of each family but I didn’t expect her to be there.
“She’s with your grandfather. Jemma is with her.” Mir spoke up as though he understood I was wondering immediately where Asha was.
“What’s the verdict?”
“You’ve got a concussion. Surprising wiz zat hard ass head of yours.” Xerx was standing with one hand in his pocket, carefree but I could see the tension on each of their faces. We’d just been together sending his enemies to hell and now they were crowded in a medical facility waiting on my ass to wake up.
“The car?”
Yacouba chuckled like I should’ve known better than to ask. “That shit is done for. The biggest question is who fucked it up and how did they do so.”
“Yoo dinna suspect yoor wife, right?”
Liam asked the question but I glared at Xerxes, knowing he was the reason for the question.
“You mean the one who could have easily been killed right along with me?”
“Stranger zhings have happened, my friend.” Xerxes was right and I could understand that they were looking out for me but their suspicion of Asha was pissing me off.
“She didn’t do it.”
“Glad you know that. You’re the one calling Xerx in a panic talking about she’s a killer and shit. Just had to make sure she wasn’t a suspect.” Couba pulled out a blunt and I knew he didn’t give a fuck about smoking in my room. They all looked like they’d tossed on the first thing their hands touched and chartered jets.
“Your wife’s a killer, Cou. Matter of fact, every man’s wife in here has at least one body. Some, more than others.” I stared at Liam and his face broke into a proud grin. He would happily recount how amazing he found Frankie’s first Father’s Day gift to him to anyone who would listen. And she’d wanted to kill his ass for years. But did we question her or try to end her life? Nah. So why weren’t they showing Asha the same respect?
“We dinna say she wouldnae be in good company. We asked to ensure she dinnae ‘ave ‘er sights set on yoo next. The lass has been a bundle o’ nerves since we got ‘ere. Pissed because yoo wouldnae wake yoor lazy arse up. She’s too fookin’ brilliant to put ‘erself in danger to shuffle yoo off this mortal coil in such a way. Whoe’er did this is a lazy fooker.” Liam’s arms were folded over his chest, stance wide locs hanging over the blue t-shirt that covered his chest. I was happy Asha had at least one ally in the room.
