Page 14 of Righteous Enforcer
I want to chastise her for not running, and yet, I’m so grateful to see her alive.
We've been running ever since.
No time to patch myself up properly.
The gash above my eye has crusted over and my ribs scream with each breath.
We made it south as far as Lakewood, a town that looks like a perfect place to raise a child.
And so I stopped, trying to work out whether it's feasible for us to stay.
"I'm hungry," Mirabella says against my neck, her little arms wrapped tight around me.
"Soon, baby." I press a kiss to her forehead. "Just a little longer."
Her weight, normally nothing to me, feels like an anchor after days without proper rest.
But I can't put her down.
We need to move quickly.
The old section of town buzzes with activity.
Perfect cover, I hope.
Mirabella's been so quiet.
Too quiet for a three-year-old who normally chatters endlessly about fairies and puppies.
She hasn't complained, not really, even though I know she's exhausted, confused, and scared.
She senses my fear, adapting to it like it's normal.
What kind of life am I giving her?
My selfishness is forcing her to endure a life no child should have to live.
I slip between a young couple arguing over directions and a family posing for photos, my eyes constantly scanning exits, threats, opportunities.
The habits of four years in hiding, perfected to an art.
Then I see them.
Three men moving against the flow of the crowd.
Not random. Purposeful.
Like a pack of dogs working together to corner their prey.
Bratva. They've found us again.
My heart stutters, adrenaline flooding my system. I clutch Mirabella tighter, feeling her tense in response.
She whimpers, sensing my fear.
"It's okay, baby," I lie. "We're just playing hide and seek again."
"I don't like that game."
