Page 26 of Operation Daddy

“I would never wish that life on anyone. Let’s go.” When she stood, everyone did.

Fletch was a little slower to rise. He hated the way July still openly shivered with fear. But Beau’s eyes screamed for Fletch to trust him. He did, so he followed them.

Catalina’s guards dragged a still silent Rex toward the garage. The closer they got, the more Fletch became sure of where they were headed: the interrogation room.

Catalina spoke over her shoulder, aiming her words at only July, as she had done the entire time. “I’m told you’re retired military. A sniper of some sort. I assume this means you’ve killed people.”

Fletch answered for him. “He doesn’t like to talk about that.”

Catalina shrugged. “It’s not a big deal either way.”

As Beau’s guard, Henry, opened the door to the interrogation room, the lights flared to life. The room was completely covered in thick plastic and a lone chair sat in the center of the room. Fletch’s stomach churned.

The guards strapped a now struggling Rex to the chair.

“Cat, you don’t have to do this. You know you’re the one I love.”

Catalina played deaf.

A guard handed her a gun.

Rex’s eyes changed from pleading for mercy to being filled with hatred as he switched his attention to July. “You slimy piece of shit. This is all your fault. Tell her you’re lying to get attention, the way you always do.”

Catalina passed the gun to July, as if Rex’s voice didn’t exist.

July took it, surprising Fletch.

“I think you should be the one to kill him. He was only unfaithful to me. You were physically hurt. He owes you more.”

“Damn it, July. Listen to me.”

July looked horrified by the weapon. He visibly swallowed. “I don’t kill people anymore. That makes me feel worse than even he did.”

A small smile hovered on Catalina’s lips. “You should at least shoot him in the balls or take out a knee.”

“For fuck’s sake, Cat. I’ve learned my lesson. It’s time to stop playing. You can clearly see he means less than nothing to me.”

July shook his head and handed back the gun. “I’m good with knowing you handled him for both of us.”

She took the gun but didn’t respond. Fletch had a random thought. She looked ready to cry.

July was regressing more and more by the second. Fletch practically felt him wrapping himself in a Little persona, backing away from the tween he liked to be. Every second that ticked by, Fletch turned more protective. He was on familiar ground.

July curled deeper into his hold. “He stabbed me twice in the stomach and I’m still really sleepy all the time. If you don’t mind, I’ll leave this in your capable hands and go back to bed.”

Catalina dipped her chin. “I wondered why you needed to be carried. Don’t worry. I’m well-versed in killing abusers.”

That was an eye-opening statement. Sounded kind of like she was the one who took out her father.

“Thank you. It was nice to finally meet you and apologize. You really are beautiful. He’s an idiot for turning to me.”

Catalina moved forward and kissed July. It was a surprising move to be sure. Fletch definitely hadn’t seen that one coming.

She pulled away but didn’t move away. Catalina spoke softly. The words were obviously meant for July’s ears only, but Fletch was right there. “We would’ve made a power couple, you and I. I certainly would have bought you all the pretty trinkets. You deserve better. Don’t let this steal your spirit. Don’t ever let any man make you less.” As she backed away, Fletch realized she held July’s hand. She didn’t release him until she couldn’t reach him any longer. “Cover your ears, amorcito.”

July did as told. Fletch moved toward the door at a clipped pace.

“Take his hands first.”