“It was about losin’ you,” I said. “About losin’ you and baby girl.”
Nova’s face tightened for a moment, then smoothed out just as quickly. She inhaled slowly through her nose, like she was forcing herself not to let fear take the wheel.
“It felt so real. Your screams echoed in my head when they snatched you away from me. How Timberly begged for me. Thepain of hot steel ripping through my body. I can’t stand still and let that become a reality,” I said.
“What are we gonna do?” She asked.
“You trust me?” I asked.
“With my life.” She breathed.
“We’re leavin’ tonight.”
Nova didn’t flinch; she just threw back the covers and started to get out of bed. I caught her wrist before her feet hit the floor, helping her the rest of the way, one hand steadying her elbow while the other flattened briefly over her belly as if I could protect my son with just my touch. This right here was one of the reasons I loved this woman so much. She trusted my instincts even when she didn’t like what they required.
“How long are we gonna be gone?” she asked.
“As long as it takes,” I answered. “Until I know exactly how to end everyone movin’ against us.”
Nova watched me for a beat, then nodded once.
“Okay. But Crew, you’re not less than because that nightmare spooked you,” she said softly. “And damn sure not for wanting to keep us safe.”
Her words hit somewhere deep inside my chest.
“The only thing that I fear is the death of everyone I love,” I said. “This is me choosin’ your safety over everything else. This makes the most sense.”
I pressed a kiss on her forehead as I led her to our walk-in closet.
“Pack a bag. Only pack essentials. The house is stocked but I’m sure there are a few things that you need that I may not have thought of.”
“What about Timberly?” She asked as she packed.
“I’ll get her,” I said.
Leaving our room as quickly as I came, I stepped into the hallway and listened. The house was still quiet, but just as Istarted towards Timberly’s room, I heard the quiet beep of the panel to the door downstairs disengaging before the distinct sounds of two sets of heavy footfalls. The twins were here, good. I went into Timberly’s room and gently shook her shoulder.
“Timberly, wake up baby girl.”
She blinked, a little disoriented at first, but then focused on me, hers becoming clearer.
“Daddy?”
I would never get tired of hearing her call me that. I loved this little girl like she had come from me just like our son and I would always treat her as such.
“Yeah, baby.” I kept my voice low. “We gotta go on a little trip.”
Her face tightened, before it brightened just as quickly and she said clear as day.
“What kind of trip? Because I remember you saying we could go to Disney after you killed the rest of the bad guys trying to take me.”
I couldn’t do shit but laugh. Kids these days were just built different. I know damn well I ain’t say all that but if that’s what she heard that's what it would be.
“Not Disney, not yet,” I said. “But I promise the first thing we do when this is all over is to take you to Florida.”
“Can I bring Mr. Waffles?” Timberly asked, sitting up and clutching another one of her many stuffed animals.
“Of course you can Timber.” I said, a small smile creeping up.