Chapter 34

Tonight had been bad, but it could’ve been much worse, and that seemed to bother them all.

Merrick sat on a dining room chair next to the window, with another chair turned toward him, his gun resting on the seat. While the neighborhood was quiet, with the game Jordan was playing with them, he didn’t trust there wasn’t more still to come that night.

He needed to keep watch, but he wanted to go to Grant and comfort him. The night had taken a bumpy turn. Maybe comforting Grant would help him find his own peace it.

From the living room, the shuffle of Grant’s feet told of his approach. Grant only wore his jeans, his arms folded to his bare chest. “Tonight’s not over?”

“Come sit with me.”

Grant sat down on Merrick’s lap, glancing at the gun.

“We’re just being cautious.”

Grant nodded.

Merrick stroked Grant’s leg. “I know it’s easier to say than do, but don’t think about tonight.”

Grant glanced around the room.

“We can still get you to your aunt’s. You’ll be safe there.”