Chapter Fifteen

Danica

I can’t help but glance curiously around the cab, as I am squeezed between Theo and Bash. There was room in the back, but Bash insisted I sit up front with him. Jackass. Now I am pressed into the side of the one person I thought I wouldn’t have to see again. And from the knowing smirk on Bash’s face, this was exactly what he was wanting.

Distracted with thoughts of the past, and curiosity about the truck (a truck, really?) . It takes me a few minutes to realize we are headed in the direction of my apartment, rather than whatever hotel Bash seems to be staying at. Well good, the sooner I get home, the sooner I can double-back to the sports center to find out what the hell is going on; aside from a cryptic text from Jay that it was bad, but he was handling it and would update me later, I have no clue what is going on outside of the fact that my security system was tripped and the fire department is involved. Our time passes in silence, with nothing but the flicker of streetlights overhead as we drive along the quiet road.

Nearing my area, I know that soon the sports center will be in sight, and then just a few more blocks until I am home. I blow out a breath of relief, but it catches in my chest as we turn the corner and my senses are assaulted by a flurry of flashing lights. Red and blue flashing lights illuminate the dark night as fire trucks and police vehicles flood the street, all parked around Prism.

“No!” The word that escapes my mouth is nothing more than a soft gasp. “Pull over. Pull over, now!” Theo and Bash share a concerned glance over my head, but I am too focused to care. Thankfully, there is no argument as the truck pulls to a stop, and I find myself scrambling across Bash’s lap to get out the passenger door, not bothering to look at them as I jump out and run down the street.

There is a barrier that has been placed, blocking the sidewalk before my building, and a myriad of emergency personnel hustle back and forth as they head into the building. Going to duck under the tape blocking my path, I am stopped abruptly by a burly officer. “Ma’am, you can’t come through here. It’s closed to the public.”

“I have to get in there! That’s my building!” I try to push against the restraining hand to no avail.

“I’m sorry, I can’t let you through, it’s not safe at the moment.” His features are grim.

“Please. You have to let me through. I-” My words are cut off as I feel the reassuring presence at my back. Theo and Bash stand on either side behind me, and have each reached out to place a steadying hand on my shoulder. “Please, just tell me what’s going on.”

The officer glances from me, to the two looming figures of the solidly built hockey players hovering behind me. Before he can respond, another voice interrupts.

“Let them through, Brady.”

The officer in question, Brady apparently, turns toward the voice. “But sir-”

“I said let them through.”

Relief washes through me as I look past Officer Brady to see Jay with several of his men. Not giving him a chance to second-guess the command, I quickly step out of Bash and Theo’s reach before ducking under the police tape that has sectioned off the area in front of my building. I hurry over to Jonathan, Theo and Bash following close behind.

Jonathan’s face is a mask of calm, always one to be level-headed in emergency situations.

“What happened?” I note the tightness around his eyes as they glance from me, to the building in which I have built my dreams, the only tell that he is concerned. “Jonathan?”

“There was a small fire, but it’s under control now.” He glances from me, to the two men hovering close by my side. “Danni-” a small sigh escapes as he shakes his head.

“What is it? Don’t sugarcoat it, Quinteros.” I level a hard stare at my friend.

“I feel like I already know the answer to this, but was there anyone supposed to be in the building tonight? Any private lessons? Any staff working after hours?” The subtle shake of my head is all the response he needs before continuing. “Danni, this was a targeted attack.”

“Like the last time?”

“Worse.”