Page 20 of Judge's Justice

"Yeah."

"We've got movement." Phoenix's voice is tight. The voice he uses when shit's about to hit the fan. "Brick just spotted three Vipers on the northern route. Headed toward town."

My blood goes cold. "How long?"

"Ten minutes. Maybe less."

"They coming for the house?"

"Don't know yet. But I'm not taking chances. I'm sending Saint and Canvas your way. They'll be there in ten."

"Copy."

"Judge." Phoenix pauses. "If they're coming for her, if they know about the civilian, you pull back. You don't engage three-on-one to protect a stranger. You understand?"

I look at Nora. At Grace still sitting on my bike with that bright, fearless smile.

"Yeah," I lie. "I understand."

Phoenix knows I'm lying. "Goddammit, Judge!"

"Saint and Canvas are ten minutes out. I'll hold until then."

"You'd better." He hangs up.

I turn to Nora, and her smile is gone. She heard my tone shift. Saw my expression change.

"What is it?" she asks.

"Vipers. Coming this way. I don't know if they're coming here specifically, but I'm not taking chances." I move toward Grace, gently lifting her off the bike. "You need to get her inside. Lock the doors. Don't open them for anyone except me or two men named Saint and Canvas. They're my brothers. They're coming to help."

Nora's face goes pale. "Grace…"

"I know." I crouch down to Grace's level, signing as I speak. "Grace, I need you to go inside with your mama. Right now. And I need you to be very brave. Can you do that?"

Grace's eyes go wide. "Are the mean men coming?"

"Maybe. I don't know yet. But I'm going to make sure they don't get anywhere near you. I promise."

"You're not coming inside?"

"Not yet. I'm going to stay out here and watch. Make sure everything's safe."

Grace's lower lip trembles. "What if they hurt you?"

"They won't."

"You don't know that."

"Yes I do. Because I've been doing this for a very long time. And I'm very good at it."

Grace stares at me. Then she throws her arms around my neck, hugging me as tight as a five-year-old can.

"Be careful," she signs against my shoulder. "Please."

I sign back against her small back. "I will. I promise."

When she pulls away, there are tears on her cheeks. Nora scoops her up immediately, holding her close, her own eyes wet.