64. Chapter 64
64
Wren
I 'm fucking doing this for Em. And I'm not going to let some crazy bitch and psycho Russian motherfuckers ruin everything.
I jam the key into the lock, juggling the backpack on my shoulder. The door sticks because of course it fucking does. I shoulder it open, nearly stumbling into the room.
The motel door creaks open, hitting us with a wave of stale air and cheap disinfectant. Lenny grimaces, shifting Alex on his hip.
"Home sweet home," I mutter, tossing our bags onto the nearest bed. The springs groan in protest.
Lenny sets Alex down, and he immediately toddles over to the TV, his teddy bear dragging behind him. "TV, Momma! TV!"
"Not now, Lexi Bear," I say, ruffling his hair. "How about some coloring instead?"
Alex pouts but plops down on the threadbare carpet, hugging his bear close. Lenny digs out his coloring books and crayons, spreading them out in front of him.
I survey our luxurious accommodations. Two sagging beds, a TV that's probably older than me, and a bathroom I'm scared to look at.
"Wren," Lenny says, his voice low. "What's the plan here?"
I pull out the wad of cash Wendy shoved at me before we left. Three grand. It's not much, but it's something. Wendy didn't even ask why; just looked at me with those knowing eyes and told me to stay safe. Good people are rare in this world. I'm gonna miss that old broad.
"First things first," I say, pocketing the cash. "We need burner phones. Can't risk using our own. Elena's probably got them tapped six ways to Sunday."
Lenny nods, his eyes darting to Alex. "And then?"
"Then we figure out how to get Em back without getting our asses killed in the process."
Alex looks up, crayon in hand. "Momma, hungry."
Right. Food.
"I'll go grab some grub," Lenny offers. "You want the usual heart attack special?"
I nod, tossing him some cash. "Get something for the kid, too. Something that won't give him diabetes before he hits puberty."
Lenny pockets the money, his hand hesitating on the doorknob. "Wren, you sure about this? Maybe I should—"
"Just go," I cut him off but soften my tone when I see Alex's head perk up. "We need food, and you're less likely to be recognized. Just… keep your eyes open, yeah?"
He nods, a muscle twitching in his jaw. "Back in twenty. If I'm not—"
"You will be," I say firmly, meeting his eyes. We both know what's left unsaid. If he's not back, we're fucked.
Lenny crouches down to Alex's level. "Hey, little man. I'm gonna get you some yummy food. What do you want?"
"Chicken!" Alex squeals, abandoning his crayons to throw his arms around Lenny's neck.
Lenny hugs him tight, his eyes closing for a moment. When he pulls back, his smile doesn't quite reach his eyes. "Chicken it is. Be good for Momma, okay?"
As Lenny slips out, I engage the chain lock and press my ear to the door. His footsteps fade down the hallway, and I count to thirty before I relax. Slightly.
"Momma?" Alex's voice pulls me back. "Why Uncle Lenny sad?"
Shit. Kid's too perceptive for his own good. I force a smile, sitting cross-legged next to him on the floor. "He's not sad, buddy. Just tired from our trip."
Alex nods sagely, like he understands the weight of the world. He picks up a red crayon, scribbling with renewed focus. "I make him happy picture."
"That's a great idea," I say. My throat tightens as I watch him work, tongue poking out in concentration.
"Momma, look!" Alex holds up his masterpiece—a blob that might be a dog. Or a tree.
I crouch down next to him, forcing a smile. "That's great, buddy." He nods, but his little brow furrows.
"What's wrong, Lexi bear?"
"Where's Aunty Pam? And Mister Whiskers?"
Shit. I forgot about that damn classroom pet hamster he's obsessed with.
"Remember what I said, Lexi Bear? We're on a special trip." I ruffle his hair, trying to keep my voice light. "Aunty Pam and Mister Whiskers are back home, taking care of your friends."
"But why?" His lower lip trembles.
I swallow hard. "Sometimes… sometimes we have to do things we don't want to. To help people we love."
He considers this, hugging his bear tighter. "Like when I share my cookies with Tommy even though I don't wanna?"
A laugh bubbles up, surprising me. "Yeah, buddy. Just like that."
I pull him onto my lap, breathing in his little-kid smell of crayons and apple juice. "Tell you what. How about we play a game while Uncle Lenny gets food?"
His face lights up. "Hide and seek?"
I glance around the tiny room. Not much hiding space, but fuck it. "Sure, why not? You hide first, okay?"
He squeals with delight, scrambling out of my lap. I cover my eyes, counting loudly. "One… two… three…"
I hear him giggling, the rustle of fabric. When I open my eyes, there's a suspiciously Alex-shaped lump under one of the beds.
"Oh no," I say dramatically. "Where could Alex be? Is he… in the closet?" I make a show of checking the tiny closet.
More giggles from under the bed.
"Hmm, not there. Maybe… behind the curtains?" I pull back the grimy curtains.
"No, Momma! I here!" Alex pops out from under the bed, grinning from ear to ear.
I gasp in mock surprise. "There you are! You're too good at this game, buddy."
He throws himself at me, and I catch him, swinging him around. For a moment, I forget about everything else. The danger, the fear, all of it fades away. It's just me and my boy, laughing in a shitty motel room.
A car backfires outside, and I'm on my feet before I realize it, positioning myself between Alex and the window.
"Momma?" Alex looks up. "What's wrong?"
I force my breathing to slow, unclenching my fists. "Nothing, baby."
He nods, but I can see the worry in his little face. Christ, I'm fucking this up. Kids shouldn't have to deal with this shit.
Suddenly, Alex's tiny hands are on my cheeks, forcing me to look at him. His ocean-blue eyes, so much like his father's, are filled with concern beyond his years.
"Don't be scared, Momma," he says, his voice small but determined. "I'll protect you. I'm strong like Superman, ‘member?"
For a moment, I can't breathe. This kid, my little boy, trying to be the brave one. It's too much.
I pull him close, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "You're the bravest Superman I know, buddy," I whisper, my voice rough. I hold him tight.
Thud.
Thud.
The moment's shattered by a knock at the door. I freeze, pulling Alex close.
"Wren? It's me," Lenny's voice calls out.
I relax, but only slightly. Opening the door, I eye the hallway before letting him in.
"Got the goods," Lenny says, holding up a greasy paper bag. "One heart attack special for you and chicken nuggets for the little man."
"Nuggets!" Alex cheers, making grabby hands at the bag.
I set him up at the small table, cutting his nuggets into smaller pieces. "Slow down, buddy. Don't want you choking."
Lenny hands me my burger, his eyes serious. "So, what's next?"
I take a bite, chewing slowly. "I make some calls. Got an old… friend who might be able to help."
"Friend?" Lenny's eyebrow raises. "You sure that's safe?"
I shrug. "Safe went out the window the moment Elena got her claws into Em."
Lenny nods, his jaw tight. "Just… be careful, yeah? We can't afford to lose you too."
"Always am," I say, but we both know it's bullshit.
I glance at Alex, happily munching away. He catches me looking and grins, ketchup smeared across his face.
"Look, Momma! I'm a monster!" He makes a growling noise, holding up ketchup-covered fingers.
I can't help but laugh. "Yeah, you are. A messy monster who needs a bath."
Lenny catches my eye, a shadow of a smile on his face. He stands up, clapping his hands together. "Hey, little man! How about we get you cleaned up? We can have a splash party in the tub!"
Alex's eyes light up. "Splash party! Can Mr. Bear come too?"
"Of course," Lenny says, scooping Alex up. "Mr. Bear's the guest of honor."
As Lenny carries Alex to the bathroom, I grab his arm. "I'm heading out. Got some calls to make."
Lenny's smile fades, his eyes searching mine. "You sure about this, Wren?"
I nod, my jaw set. "It's our only play right now. Keep an eye on things here, okay?"
"Always," he says, shifting Alex to his other hip. "How long you gonna be?"
I glance at the cheap clock on the nightstand. "Give me three hours. If I'm not back by then…"
The unspoken hangs between us. If I'm not back, something's gone terribly wrong.
"Momma, come splash!" Alex calls from the bathroom.
"In a minute, buddy," I call back, forcing cheer into my voice. To Lenny, I lower my voice. "I need to check the perimeter. Meet me outside in two."
Lenny nods, disappearing into the bathroom. I hear Alex's delighted squeals as the water starts running.
I do a quick sweep of the room, checking locks, peeking through curtains. The parking lot's quiet; just our rental and a couple of rust buckets. No signs of trouble, but that doesn't mean shit in this game.
Grabbing my jacket, I slip outside.
I scan the area again. Nothing suspicious.
The door opens behind me. Lenny steps out, his face grim in the harsh motel lighting.
"Alex?" I ask.
"Playing submarine with Mr. Bear. Told him I forgot the bubbles." Lenny's eyes dart around, always on alert.
I look at my brother, guilt twisting in my gut. "I'm sorry, Lenny." The words feel inadequate. He's seventeen, for fuck's sake. Should be worrying about prom dates and college apps, not this shitstorm.
Lenny's head snaps toward me, his eyes fierce. "Don't," he says, slapping my shoulder. "Don't you ever think this is your fault, Wren. We're family. Where you go, I go. End of story."
I press my lips together, fighting back the lump in my throat. Nodding to myself, then to Lenny, I take a deep breath.
Shoving aside these bullshit emotions, I cram my hand into my back pocket.
I pull out a crumpled piece of paper, pressing it into Lenny's hand. "If I'm not back in three hours, or if shit hits the fan, call this number. Ask for D."
Lenny's eyes widen. "D? As in—"
"Yeah," I cut him off. "That D. He's our nuclear option. Use it only if you have to."
Lenny stares at the paper like it might bite him. "Wren, are you sure? If we bring him in—"
"I know," I say, my voice hard. "But Em's life is on the line. And Alex…" I swallow hard. "If something happens to me, D's the only one who can keep him safe."
Lenny nods slowly, tucking the paper into his pocket. "Be careful out there, sis. We need you back in one piece."
I manage a smirk. "Aren't I always?"
We both know it's bullshit, but sometimes the lie is all you've got.