16. Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Tolly

T he evening of their movie date ended with restless sleep that had nothing to do with nightmares. Getting through the day proved even more difficult, time passing like a glacier, but when evening rolled around again, it grew worse.

Tolly did not think he could feel the sort of fear he used to experience when being chased by his brethren simply by waiting to watch a group of humans meet in a warehouse. Perhaps it was Leigh's fear feeding into his own, but he worried as Leigh worried that this would not go as simply as they hoped.

If it went well, the detectives could do what Leigh did not wish to—take care of Vincent Moretti. But it was not the same as killing him, and Arthur Sweeney might not like that when they spoke with him later.

"It'll be fine," Leigh said as he had many times already. "Stay quiet and follow my lead like always. I know this warehouse and how to get there without being seen. We just have to hope it stays that way."

Tolly had never seen Leigh like this. He was not the type to outwardly show if he was frightened, but he kept wringing his hands, his gestures more pronounced. He was scared. For himself and for Tolly.

The docks were familiar to Tolly now, but the route Leigh took them on was winding and well before the scheduled time for Jake, Rosa, and Moretti to meet. They would need to stay hidden and wait for some time, something Tolly and Leigh were both used to.

They talked in hushed voices, even though Tolly checked often in every direction for anyone nearing the warehouse. They were upstairs on the second level, hidden behind a well-placed beam. If someone did come up the stairs, they could easily get out before anyone was upon them. A few times Tolly hissed that a handful of people were nearby, but so far, none were the ones they wanted.

Then the appointed time drew closer, and once again Tolly nodded after sending out his vibrations, sensing two people coming from one direction and five from another, before voices and a bustle of movement alerted them that these were, in fact, the people they were waiting for.

Tolly took out his phone and began recording so Leigh could message the detectives, though he had told Tolly he would wait until he was certain all the right players were in attendance.

Vaguely, Tolly recognized Jake's voice from the club that day and assumed the female to be Rosa. The only other person who spoke was Vincent Moretti, judging by Leigh's reaction.

"One thing before we start," Moretti said, and there was a scuffle, like someone being forced forward, and a far too familiar voice calling out:

"Hey!"

Leigh froze, eyes wide with dread at the sound of Ralph's voice.

"This little rat has been seen with Hurley a few too many times. Not sure I trust his loyalty anymore."

"He's nothing to get your panties in a twist over, Vinny," Rosa said, though she sounded half-bored and uncaring. "Just some brat. I thought he was the one who told you Hurley was alive before we could."

"He was, and now he's trying to get out. But you see, kid, once you're in, you're in . But if you're out…. Well. Jake, Rosa, why don't you do the honors to set the right example."

In the split second before more could be said, Leigh put his phone in his pocket without messaging the detectives and stepped out from behind their hiding spot.