Ben’s face loomed above mine. “We’ll see how philosophical you feel after I’m done with you,” he rasped. “I spent years writing about the worst people in the world. I’m going to use what I learned on you.”

CHAPTER 46 DEIRDRE

CHAPTER 46

DEIRDRE

Teddy was safe. That was the most important thing. But Theo was in danger, and I didn’t know how to help him, especially in my mashed-up state. I called the police as soon as we got to the road. My father led Teddy across to his car, and I hobbled after them, out of my nephew’s earshot. Teddy got in the back seat, and I clambered in after him while my father reclaimed the driver’s seat.

“What’s going on?” Teddy asked. “Where’s Daddy?”

“He went to the house to rescue you,” I said.

“From Ben?” Teddy looked perplexed. “I had ice cream.”

Whatever Ben had done to him, it didn’t seem to have fazed Teddy. For that, I was grateful.

“Did the police say how long it would be?” my father asked me.

“Fifteen to twenty minutes.”

My father turned around to look at the house. “I should go back in.”

“Don’t,” I said. “I thought all he had was a Taser. I was wrong.”

I texted a quick group message to Reagan and Jude and Gloria, who were back at Theo’s house. Teddy safe. Theo in danger.

“What happened to your wrist, Auntie Dee?” asked Teddy.

“I hurt it on a window.”

“Ouch,” Teddy said. “Kiss.” He leaned forward and planted a gentle smack on my bandage. “All better.”

“Wow, it feels better now,” I said, and I meant it.

As I was speaking, a couple of dark SUVs pulled up in front of the house. Several large men in black T-shirts and cargo pants piled out of the vehicles.

My father’s head swiveled around. “I thought you said—”

“That’s not the police,” I answered. It was a clear night, but tough to see details. “That looks more like a SWAT team.”

I stared at them as they conferred.

“Let me see what’s going on.” I kissed the top of Teddy’s head. “I’ll be right back.”

I got out of the car and crossed the road again.

“Hey!” I called.

A big, bald-headed guy turned around. I’d seen him before, but I couldn’t remember his name.

“Theo’s in the house,” I said. “I think he’s been shot.”

“Have you seen the boy?”

“Teddy? He’s safe,” I said. “He’s with my father.”

“Where?”

“In that car.” I pointed across the road.

“Gentlemen,” the man called out. “Stand down. Put away your guns. The boy is safe.”

The five men in black reacted immediately, stashing their weapons as quickly as they’d retrieved them.