Ruthless Sinner (Ashby Crime Family)

“Stay,” she said, voice thick and dry. “Please.”

I kept my distance near the door while the doctor spoke in gentle tones about what to expect during her recovery. “You’ll have some memory lapses, but they should be confined to the days, maybe the weeks, leading up to the shooting.”

Sadie listened carefully, nodding as annoyance slipped into her questions. “So I can go home? Recover there?”

Purcell shook his head. “It would be easier to monitor your progress here.”

“Easier,” she stammered slowly, “but home is not impossible?”

“No,” he sighed. “It’s not impossible, but it isn’t advisable either.”

The thing I respected about Purcell was that he knew when he was beaten and didn’t keep fighting a losing battle. “We need to make careful arrangements and no bullying to get out scheduled appointments. His gaze slid to me and then back to Sadie.

“All I care about is that she’s healthy and doesn’t suffer any long-term effects,” I assured Purcell.

“All right, then. I’ll put a plan together.”

Sadie gave a grateful nod, and her green eyes met mine. “Get Thomas.”

“Ma. I am so fucking sorry that this happened to you.” Cal stood in front of Sadie, tears swimming in his eyes as she stood in the foyer with her weight resting on Thomas.

Her smile took some effort but eventually, the corners of her mouth curled up. “Calvin, my baby boy.” She cupped his face, looked at him with such love that I knew I’d done the right thing by forcing Rizz to take the fall for shooting Sadie.

He was my brother, and I loved him, but these days I couldn’t stand the sight of him other than to issue orders. But it was my job to protect him, to keep him away from dirty old priests and coaches. I was the one who steered him toward computers instead of sports.

“I wish this didn’t happen to you, Ma.” Cal leaped forward like the little boy he used to be, wrapping his arms around her small form and squeezing tight. “I’m sorry about everything. I forgive you for Bonnie, and I’m sorry I was such a fucking idiot about it. I promise you, Sadie, that from here on out, I’m going to be the man that Ava Rose needs. That this family needs.”

Sadie pulled back and studied Cal with a skeptical look that quickly transformed into a smile. “I must look worse than I thought.”

“You could use some sun, but you look great, Ma.” He kissed her cheek and stepped to her side, helping Sadie to the sofa while Thomas set a few pillows behind her.

“Stop fussing over me. I got shot in the head, and it barely grazed me. I’m no f-f-fucking charity…” She paused like she was looking for the word.

“Case ma? Charity case?” he asked her.

“Yes! Charity case.” Her words came out a little stilted as Purcell said they would as her memory returned.

“Ma, you haven’t walked or sat up on your own for months. Let us help you until you get your strength back.” Cal didn’t stop fluffing pillows and fussing even as he spoke.

“Fine. Someone get me a drink.”

“Now, Sadie. You know it’s too early in the day for that.” Maisie stepped forward and wrapped Sadie in a long, warm hug. “Damn, it’s so good to hear your voice again.”

Sadie patted Maisie’s back and sighed, tears forming in her eyes. “Glad to be heard.”

Maisie laughed against her and pulled back. “You missed a lot while you were in the hospital. I’m so happy you’re home.”

Sadie leaned against the pillows with a relieved sigh. “It’s good to see you too, Maisie. You look beautiful,” she said and examined her carefully. “You’re practically glowing.”

“Like I said, you missed a lot. Maddie had her baby boy, Jameson Bailey, and he’s absolutely friggin’ adorable. And in about six months, Virgil and I will be adding to the family as well.” Her hand went instinctively to her still flat belly with a smile.

That news was a shock to me as well as everyone else in the room.

Sadie gasped. “Another grandbaby? Now that’s good news to wake up to.” She pulled Maisie into another hug and squeezed tight.

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks.” Maisie smiled back at Virgil. “You woke up just in time. We were going to tell everyone next Sunday.”

Sadie nodded and looked around the room at all the people who gave a damn about her and beamed.

“The gang’s all here,” she said, smiling at Terry and Kat, Ava Rose in my arms, me, Cal and Thomas.

Emmett and Vanessa were there, along with Hulu, Evan, Provo, and Mace. “It’s good to see all of you. I hope there’s enough food to feed everyone.”

Thomas smiled and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I’ll go make sure,” he whispered in her ear and slipped out of the living room.

“So, what else did I miss?”

“Beck is no longer a problem for us.”