My Maddie by Tillie Cole

Author:Tillie Cole [Cole, Tillie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Maddie

“We’re not far out now, Madds,” AK informed me from the driver’s seat. I swallowed the nerves I was trying to conceal from the others with a simple nod. I cast my gaze outside of the van, into the gathering dusk beyond. With each mile we drove an uneasy feeling grew upon my heart. I did not know what we would be walking into—something in my soul told me that it would not be good. But how could it be? Flame and Asher had fled the safety and love of our home to track down the men who started the fire, with the single focus to harm them, no, to rob them of their lives.

“Are you well, Maddie?” Sister Ruth asked. She checked my pulse.

“Yes,” I replied and held my head high. Sister Ruth had been diligent with my care in the hours we had been on the road. We had made no stops. I had not planned to. Getting to Flame and Asher was my sole focus. The Hangmen had pulled away from the van yet remained visible up ahead. I could see their taillights through the windshield. One by one their lights switched from amber to red. I leaned forward as AK pulled the van up behind them.

“Flame and Ash’s bikes,” Viking said, serious for once. In fact, he had scarcely cracked one joke on our travels to this place. AK showed his concern for Flame on his sleeve, and always had. But Viking was ever the comedian, the one to break tension with jokes and laughter—inappropriate as they generally were. However, no jokes accompanied us to the abandoned bikes. It served to tell me how worried Viking was for his best friend. Many times, throughout the drive I had wanted to place my hand on his shoulder, to offer him comfort. AK had Phebe, Zane and Sapphira. Viking was alone, save for his Hangmen brothers. I was not sure if he ever shared his burdens with another without the backdrop of comedy.

AK pulled the van to a halt and got out. Bella reached for my hands. “He will be well, sister. I believe it.”

I kept my eyes on Styx and Ky, and the other men who had circled the bikes. I could not answer Bella for fear I would fall apart. The van door opened and AK stood on the other side. “We’re going in. Y’all stay here. We’re leaving Rudge here with y’all.” He met Rider’s eyes. “Grab a gun, you’re watching them too.”

Bella tensed, but Rider squeezed her shoulder as he silently attempted to soothe her worries. As the van door closed, Ruth, Bella and I were plunged into silence. I heard the men moving into the forest. Darkness was falling rapidly, providing them with a protective shield. I was anxious. I closed my eyes and strained to listen to what was happening beyond the safety of the van. There was nothing until a cacophony of guns sounded out all around us, like thunder slicing into a peaceful silent sleep.

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