Puma Pride, page 34
“You sure can,” Brooks said.
“Don’t even bother,” Molly patted Mia’s hand. “She’ll get her lessons done as well.”
“Of course she will,” Brooks said.
“No electric tools,” Mia sighed.
“But how will she saw things,” Brooks asked.
“Dad,” Mia scolded.
“How about no unsupervised electric tools,” Brooks asked.
“Dad please remember we are not lizards and we cannot regrow body parts,” Bryan said.
“We’ll be very careful,” Brooks bent down to kiss Mia’s cheek.
Bryan filled his plate and handed around dishes. “I’ve gotten updates from everyone. The governor is considering our request but is hesitant to take action. He is having a conversation with the DA.”
“Have we checked his donors,” Mia asked.
“His wife is a shifter,” Molly said. “It’s not well known but I know her.”
“Can you talk to her,” Brady asked.
“She remains neutral,” Molly rolled her eyes. “In the old days, if it were known she was a shifter, he wouldn’t have gotten the job.”
“We’re not in the old days,” Brady reminded his mother.
“How soon will the panic room be done,” Jolyn asked pushing food around on her plate.
“Tomorrow or the next day at the latest,” Brooks said.
“In dad speak,” Mia grinned. “By Friday and maybe not until the end of the weekend.”
“We should move forward,” Jolyn said. “Twanna came to me and said she’s gotten several calls from our person of interest.”
“Is he pressuring her,” Mia asked.
“Big time,” Jolyn said. “It’s possible he will take any female at this point.”
“But if she could give him a chance at the one he wants,” Mia sighed.
“He might take it,” Jolyn said.
“Is this entrapment,” Mia asked.
“No and please don’t ask Paul or Ellen about it,” Bryan rubbed between his eyes.
“You asked them to explain a legal question? Don’t you know it’s better to research it yourself,” Molly said. “They are very thorough.”
“It’s an hour of my life I’ll never get back,” Bryan muttered.
“So, we get the panic room done,” Brady drew them back on track. “We set up a date and time when we think they will attack.”
“Which they won’t,” Brooks said. “You could sit down there for a week.”
“Or we say she, Minnie, and Bryan are leaving until after the babies are born. They’re going into hiding,” Jolyn said. “They’re leaving on a specific date. But not give him a lot of notice.”
“It’s not a bad idea,” Molly said.
“Who exactly came up with this,” Brooks asked.
Mia grinned, “Jolyn and I of course.”
“We’d have to coordinate with Geneva,” Bryan said.
“What if he has someone in her crew,” Brady said.
“We could ask Daryl,” Jolyn leaned on Brady. “He wants him punished as much as we do.”
“The case involving his brother’s pack is still open,” Bryan said.
“Willie could go,” Mia suggested.
“He’s not willing to leave Selene’s side,” Jolyn said. “They’re talking about retiring to the cabin.”
“The one in the wilderness,” Molly asked.
“Yes, surrounded by bear territory for miles and miles,” Jolyn said. “Most of their kids are in that area.”
“What’s stopped them from going before now,” Brooks asked.
“Me and their younger kids are still… well were still in school but since the interview, they aren’t.” Jolyn confessed. “I’ve told them to go and keep safe.”
“But you’re still their cub,” Molly gripped Jolyn’s hand.
“Yes,” Jolyn sighed. “If I could, I’d cut ties to free them but…”
“It would hurt you and them too much,” Mia said.
“All right boys,” Molly took a stern tone. “You will get the panic room done ASAP and then we will see how we progress. Maybe the governor or the DA will come to their senses.”
“Yes, mama,” Brooks leaned over and kiss Molly.
“If he attacks again and someone gets hurt, can we sue the city and the DA and his office?” Mia asked.
“Absolutely,” Bryan said. “Yes, that was another hour or more that I lost with the cousins.”
“There was one bit of good news,” Brady hugged Jolyn to him. “Louise informed me of an incident when she was shopping.”
“Did she have her detail with her? What happened,” Bryan growled as Brady spoke of one of the mothers of the Pride.
“She had her detail and she was shopping for baby things,” Brady said. “One of the clerks in the shop gave her a hard time. He recognized her from the interview. When she went to checkout, he made nasty prejudiced comments to her and refused to check her out. Another couple in the store heard his remarks and blasted him. They made a stink about it, demanded a manager be brought in, and got loud enough a crowd formed. Our people were not happy and got on the phone to Geneva.”
“Shit. Do we need to buy in bulk on the internet,” Bryan said.
“No. We need to keep connecting. It was a human couple, wasn’t it,” Mia asked.
“It was but not just any human couple. Apparently it was the daughter of the Mayor,” Brady said. “She was outraged. The manager came to find out what upset such a prominent customer and fired the guy on the spot. She said their store was open to all and she wouldn’t allow the clerk to treat the customers so poorly. But even better, we’re hearing stories like this from all the people who go out.”
“Some of the footage from Peter’s Pack leaked,” Mia said. “Not sure how and when I asked Geneva, she said it was under investigation.”
“Joel listens to a talk radio station and they talked about the footage,” Jolyn said. “The callers were appalled so many children were killed and that the case was still unsolved.”
“Amanda told you,” Molly asked.
“Yes, she’s glad Joel is working in security,” Jolyn said. “She says he’s more aware and calmer since he’s part of the team.”
“He’s definitely improved,” Brady smirked.
“It’s all progress,” Molly said. “Most of it is good progress.”
“When do you go,” Jolyn held her phone on her lap as she sat in the lounge area of their rooms.
“We’re still discussing,” Willie said. “Selene is concerned about an attack during the transport.”
“She doesn’t want a repeat of my parents’ accident. Is there a better way for you to go than by vehicle,” Jolyn asked.
“We could fly,” Willie said. “We have the helipad here.”
“But Selene’s not fond of flying,” Jolyn said.
“No. I want you both safe,” Willie said. “What can I do to make that happen?”
“We’re working on a plan,” Brady sat next to Jolyn. “Are you worried about another accident?”
Willie said. “At this point Selene stresses about everything, plus the younger ones will be in the car with us.”
“Use multiple cars. Have them go in a variety of directions, and head for the hills,” Jolyn said. “If you do it now, they might think we’re doing the same.”
“Or set up a complete distraction, stay out of sight, and wait him out,” Brady suggested.
“All options are under consideration,” Willie said. “Jolyn. What do you need?”
“Him to be arrested,” Jolyn said. “Mia and I are considering an extended vacation until her babies are born.”
“What about you? Will we hear about new babies for you soon,” Willie asked.
“We’re not ready yet,” Jolyn said. “Besides, what if what I am means I can’t get pregnant.”
“In all the myths I’ve read and heard, the catalyst was very fertile,” Willie said. “If you’re not, it’s because you’re preventing it.”
“We’re not willing to risk it yet,” Brady answered for her.
“I want to bounce your babies on my knee so don’t wait too long,” Willie said. “Cub. Do what you do best.”
“Cause mayhem and annoyance to all those around me,” Jolyn snorted.
“If that’s what it takes,” Willie chuckled.
“I rather enjoy her mayhem,” Brady grinned.
“Then let loose and see what happens,” Willie chuffed in amusement.
“We’ll keep you apprised,” Jolyn shook her head at their teasing.
“Selene and I will be discussing options tonight,” Willie said. “I’ll see to it you’re kept in the loop.”
“Willie,” Jolyn wasn’t sure how to say what she wanted to say. “Papa bear.”
“I will be,” Willie said more gruffly than usual. “You take care of yourself and your Pride.”
Jolyn couldn’t answer. “We will,” Brady held her.
“I love you. Both of you,” Jolyn choked out between the tears clogging her throat.
“Dammit,” Willie cleared his throat several times. “I love you too, you troublesome cub.”
“We need at least ten minutes to get everyone in place,” Brady stared at the plans on the screen.
“Everyone’s doing the stairs,” Bryan said.
“In case they take out the elevator first or they put guards on the doors,” Brady said.
“Is there a way to program an emergency from one floor to the next?” Brooks sat with his feet on the coffee table.
“We’ll have to look into it,” Brady said. “If they all get in there, they’re safe but if anyone lags behind…”
“Meaning those furthest from the panic room,” Bryan said.
“Pregnant women are not known to move fast,” Brooks agreed.
“We’ll try it with the elevator and see how the next evacuation goes,” Brady shook his head. “It’s late. I’m turning in.”
“Not going over it six more times,” Bryan teased.
“Jolyn was upset after the call with Willie,” Brady explained as he ran his hand through his hair. “She’s lost so much and she feels like she’s losing them.”
“She won’t lose them,” Brooks growled. “We’ll see to it her life is full of family. No matter how annoying we are.”
“Well, damn,” Bryan rose from the desk. “We will all go to our women and take special care of them. Tomorrow, we practice again and we’ll figure it out.”
“I’ll stop in the security room,” Brady said.
“Hey. Did you figure out about the guy driving around sticking his head out the window,” Brooks asked.
“Joel followed him. Guy says he smells his mate but he can’t find her,” Brady said.
“Once our current situation is over, maybe it’s time to go back to having socials,” Brooks said.
“It’s not a bad idea,” Bryan agreed.
“Not until we’re certain the risk is over,” Brady said.
“Spoken like a man whose found his mate,” Brooks patted Brady on his back.
Stopping in the security room, he found Joel and Chet watching the screens. “What’s up,” Brady tensed seeing them both in the room.
“Got an itch,” Chet said.
“Our guy is back,” Joel pointed to the screen. “But there’s two other vehicles tonight.”
“Vans with stolen license plates,” Chet said. “I called Geneva.”
“Is she sending people over,” Brady watched the guy circling the blocks. Then he saw the light come on in the van for a moment.
“Winding it back and zooming in,” Chet said without being told to.
"Joel,” Brady zoomed in and slowed the video down.
“On it,” Joel sprang out of his chair and started sending notifications.
“You staying here,” Chet asked.
“That’s the protocol,” Brady growled.
“Go get her moving,” Chet said. “Or I can.”
“Two minutes,” Brady raced down the hall and rushed into the room.
“Jo,” he murmured.
“I’m here,” she said from her mother’s rocking chair. “They’re hitting us tonight, aren’t they?”
“Yes,” Brady said.
“I’ll go help with Minnie,” Jolyn said. “I think Willie and Selene left tonight.”
“You think they’ll hit both of us,” Brady asked.
“I do,” Jolyn stopped at the door.
“Call him,” Brady said. “I must get back. You be careful.”
“Brady, I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Jolyn pressed the button on her phone. It went to voicemail. “Willie. I think we’re getting hit tonight. I think that means they’ll come after you as well. I will worry so call me ASAP.”
She slid the phone into her bra where it was more secure than the mini pockets in her pants. She arrived at Mia and Bryan’s rooms. Bryan opened the door.
“Hi,” Jolyn said. “Mia, here.”
“Yes,” Mia held her lower back. “Bad night which is turning worse.”
“Want me to get Minnie,” Jolyn asked.
“I’ve got to go,” Bryan leaned close to Mia and kissed her quick. “You take care of my entire universe.”
“I will,” Mia smiled. “Is he gone?”
Jolyn leaned to make sure he was. “You’re not doing the stairs. I know the protocol is stairs but not tonight.”
“No,” Mia said as she waddled to Minnie’s room.
“You wait here and watch,” Jolyn said.
“I’m not arguing,” Mia said. “Oooff.” She rubbed her belly where the twins moved and changed the shape of her belly.
“Minnie,” Jolyn knelt next to the bed to wake the little girl.
“Jo,” Minnie murmured.
“You need to get up,” Jolyn found her shoes and robe.
“Is this a drill,” Minnie asked as she sat up to push her feet into her shoes.
“Definitely not,” Jolyn said. “I’m ducking into your bathroom. Can you get your robe on?”
“Yes,” Minnie stood up and swung her robe on and tied it. “Where’s mom?”
“Watching in the hall,” Jolyn came back with some spray disinfectant.
“What are you cleaning,” Minnie asked.
“It will be like pepper spray,” Jolyn said.
“Oh,” Minnie took her hand.
“The babies are restless tonight,” Jolyn said. “Your job is to help your mom.”
“While you help us get to the room,” Minnie said.
“Yes, you ready,” Jo said. “If we have to run, you will go on my back.”
“Okay,” Minnie said. “I’ve been practicing running fast.”
“Good, now be really quiet,” Jolyn opened the door to find Mia with her eyes closed and rubbing her belly. “Are you in labor?”
“No,” Mia said. “They’re restless.”
“Let’s go,” Jolyn said. “You two stay back. I’ll go first to make sure the way is clear.” Quietly, she walked to the corner and checked in all directions. She waved for them to catch up and go around the corner.
“I’m not helpless,” Mia said.
“No but you’re who they want,” Jolyn said. “Stop fussing. Couple more turns and we’ll be at the elevator.”
“You’re bossy,” Mia grumbled but did as she was told. “Go check, I’ll watch our backside.”
Jolyn heard a bang as the front door was forced open. “Hurry,” she whispered hoping there were no shifters with them this time.
They fast walked down one more hall and stopped at the corner. She didn’t like the location. “Hold this,” Jolyn handed the spray disinfectant to Mia. Minnie pushed the up button while Jolyn waited at the corner.
Mia watched it stop at every floor. Jolyn saw a dark figure with his back to them checking the hall but heading away from them. A flash of light meant he was human.
With the quiet thud, the elevator stopped on their floor. Mia held up the can of spray to use on anyone in the elevator. Molly ducked on seeing it. She held a finger to her lips. Mia and Minnie rushed into the elevator. The doors started to close but Mia pressed the button to hold them open.
Jolyn saw the man step into a room. Three more followed him. She heard a hiss and backed up. Turning she saw the light in the elevator and grabbed a large candlestick from the table. She rushed inside. Mia let go the button and pushed for the doors to close.
“Keep quiet,” Molly said. “They used an axe to get through the door to the second floor.”
“Been here enough to know the layout,” Jolyn snorted. “Give me the spray. I’ll bet they know about the panic room.”
“Our people are engaging them but they have guns,” Molly said. “Not afraid of the claws and teeth as much.”
“Or they think they’re protected,” Mia rubbed her belly.
“Will you be able to run if needed,” Jolyn asked.
“Yes, maybe,” Mia said.
“Minnie,” Jolyn squatted in front of the little girl. “You are to run as fast as you’ve practiced. Grandma and I will have to help your mom.”
“Stopping on the third floor,” Mia muttered.
Jolyn shook the can of spray and held it directly in front of the doors. “When the doors open, we’ll have to hit the closed button.”
“I’ll do it,” Minnie stood right in front of the panel. It kept her out of sight.
Mia moved towards the left and Molly stood behind Minnie. The door opened but no one was there. Minnie pushed the button and as soon as the doors started to close, two men jumped towards them. Jolyn sprayed them pointing directly at their faces. She had no idea what it would do to them but it made them cough and pause. Then the doors were closed.
“Minnie when the doors open you let us out first,” Jolyn said. “Then you dart out in front of us. Molly, you help her on that side and I’ll help on this side.”
“If you have to, just lift your feet and we’ll carry you,” Molly suggested.
“Turn the light off,” Jolyn said.
Molly reached forward, flipped the switch, and then took Mia’s arm. The elevator stopped, the door swished open and Jolyn stopped herself at the last second when she saw Keyne in his clouded leopard form.
In a rush, they carried Mia across the attic floor as they neared the panic room, the door swung open. Cordele stood in the dark doorway. Jolyn saw her eyes get wide. “Run,” she made sure Mia’s feet were down. She felt Minnie slip past her and head towards the panic room. Molly and Mia continued forward but Jolyn stopped and twisted around spraying the disinfectant at the two dark figures behind her. Keyne leapt on the back of one digging his claws and teeth into him.
