Grace arrives and puts her arm around me. I turn into her, wrapping my arms around her waist. As Cole leans in and wraps an arm around us both, I realize there’s nothing we can do but hope and pray for Sutton and Bruno’s safe return.
They help me stand and walk. My leg is still sore from the cramp, and my back feels like fire is shooting up the middle. We head up the driveway in silence.
Midway to the cottage, Grace almost chokes on her words. “We’ll see them soon, I pray.”
Cole clears his throat and tightens his grip around my waist.
Grace and I release each other.
“I think Sutton’s plan is going to work, and we’ll all be together again real soon,” Cole adds.
No one responds. Everything is silent except the waves against the beach and the seagulls overhead. Cole’s words hang in the air like the smell of stale bread.
Inside, everything is quiet and amplified at the same time. The boards creak beneath my feet. Zeus has somehow made his way back into the house without anyone noticing. The couch squeaks when he jumps onto it. Grace takes a position by the back door.
“I’m going to make us something to eat before we head out to find another safe house,” Cole says. “Why don’t you wash up and get changed.”
“Into what?”
“Sutton left us clothes. He said they’re in the bathroom.”
I look over at Grace, who nods in approval. I stink.
“Okay.”
I examine my shredded shirt and blood-soaked clothes. I had completely forgotten how I looked in the midst of everything. And Sutton still hugged me despite it.
“Make sure to leave us some hot water,” Cole says. He smiles and rubs my back before going into the kitchen.
I pull myself up the stairs and into the tiny bathroom, where the toilet is so close to the shower I can barely sit on it without my knees touching tile. Sure enough, clothing sits on the sink in several piles.
I turn on the water, and after waiting for it to warm up, I step inside. Dried blood swirls down the drain, turning pinker by the minute. When finished, I pull on a small, black cotton t-shirt with dark green cargo pants in my exact size. The socks are what bring me the most pleasure though. As I slide them on, my feet celebrate their warmth and cushiness.
“Much better,” Cole says when I reach the first floor.
“Except for the bags under my eyes.”
“God, I hate seeing you so exhausted.”
“I’m gonna try to eat something. Maybe that will help.”
Cole playfully smacks my ass as he passes me going up the staircase. “I’m gonna jump in the shower. But if Zeus starts acting up, come get me.”
“I will,” I say. “Hey, let’s not leave him behind anymore.”
“We’re not,” he says. “He’s the best weapon we have.” Cole takes the steps two at a time and disappears after the landing.
In the living room, Zeus sprawls out on the couch, sound asleep. He snorts, sneezes, and then rolls onto his back with his legs straight up.
I pick up a plate of canned beans, canned hot dogs, and canned peaches Cole prepared for me. When I lived in High Society, we always ate well. On the run, you eat what you can find—things you may never have considered eating before.
“Wake up,” he says. I hear him laughing through the fog of my head. “Only you.”
“Few more minutes,” I mumble, turning my head away from his voice.
“I’m afraid if you sleep any longer, those beans stuck on your forehead won’t come off.”
“Ew, what?”
“You face-planted in your plate.” He wipes a damp cloth over my face, and I sit up. Food tumbles into my lap. I give Cole a dirty look, and he laughs.
“I’m glad you don’t have a camera.”
“Oh, but I’ve got a great photographic memory.”
“Of course you do.” I lean into him, and he gives me a sweet kiss on my lips. Now, I’m awake.
“Why didn’t you just lie down with Zeus?”
“Have you seen him? He’s a bed hog, and wasn’t it obvious I preferred my plate?”
“And you’ve got hot dog up your nose,” he says with a twinkle in his eyes. He bends down to kiss my head.
“Shut up. I do not.” But of course, I feel my nose, making sure he’s just playing with me. I snatch his napkin and wipe my face just as I notice the dim lighting. “How long was I asleep? Where is Grace?” I look around.
“You’ve been out for two hours. Grace is outside patrolling the perimeter.”
“And you let me sleep in my food?”
“I tried to pick you up, but you kept smacking me. So yes, I left you there,” he says. “Any sleep is better than none, right?” But he’s smiling as he says it.
I groan as I stand up and stretch. The muscles in my neck feel like one tight knot.
Without warning, Zeus hops off the couch and begins pacing the room. He whines, and the hair on my neck rises.
“Maybe he’s gotta poop,” Cole says, but I know he doesn’t really think that. He raises an eyebrow.
“When was he let out last?” I ask.
“A half an hour ago.”
But Zeus’s whining grows louder and more restless. The fur on his back shoots up, making a dark track down his back. My insides jump.