Their Reign (The Rite Trilogy 3)

"Who knew psychic work paid so well," Georgie mutters.

"Oh, no." Madame Dubois turns to him with a twinkle in her eyes. "The pay is absolute shit, but that's not why I do it. I'm very wealthy. Old family money."

With that information bomb, she turns and unlocks the door, then gestures us inside. We follow her, and I quickly find that while the outside is stunning, the interior is even more so. There’s a very French style to the home with herringbone floors, gold accents, and ornate crown molding as far as the eye can see.

"This is amazing." My fingers trail over the beautiful marble console table in the entryway. "I can't believe you live here, Madame Dubois."

"Oh, I don't," she answers with a wave of her hand. "It's just one of my properties. I spend most of my time at an apartment in the French Quarter. But don't worry, this one's under a business holding. It won't be traced back to me."

She sounds certain, but I'm not. I know with Judge's resources he'll probably have someone tailing Solana and Georgie within hours.

I swallow and turn to him. "You aren't staying here with me, are you?"

He offers me a sympathetic smile and shakes his head. "No. Unfortunately, for this plan to work, we both need to get back for when the cavalry comes."

"You shouldn't have to deal with that." Guilt chokes my voice. "This isn't fair to you."

"Mercedes, please." Georgie rolls his eyes. "If Judge brings along those guards he's been rolling with, I will gladly consent to a pat down. I would make that sacrifice for you."

He's trying to be funny, but I can't laugh. I know the guards won't hurt them, but they can make their life very difficult. And Judge especially.

"I should go," I tell them both. "Then you really won't have any idea where I am or—"

"Nonsense, child." It's Madame Dubois who shuts down my protest this time. "I've withstood far worse than the likes of armed men. Let them come. I will gladly welcome the challenge."

Oh god, I don't want to put them through this. I feel like I'm going to hurl again, but I know that's not possible because I haven't eaten anything.

"Go." Georgie grabs my shoulders and urges me toward the stairs. "Take a bath. Eat something. Then get some rest. We have a woman coming to pick you up in the morning at eight. She will take you to your doctor's appointment."

My head swims with this information, but they don't give me time to argue further. Georgie releases me, and they head for the door, pausing to set my burner phone and a house key on the table.

"Use the numbers we gave you to contact us," he says. "And don't worry if you don't hear back right away. I'm sure your lawman will be breathing down my neck by morning if he's not already at my house."

"We have time yet before he comes," Madame Dubois answers with a knowing glint in her eyes. "Don't worry so much."

I nod carefully, and without another word, they open the door, step outside, and leave.

* * *

The house,while beautiful, quickly becomes empty. After giving myself a tour, opening every door and inspecting each room, I was relieved to find that I was, in fact, safe here. At least for now.

I took a shower, ate one of the prepared meals from the fridge, and then wrapped myself in a cashmere blanket and stared at the wall.

Time passes. Exhaustion settles over me, but I can't stop thinking about what I've done. I find myself playing every possible scenario over and over in my mind. I think about Judge's reaction once he realizes I'm gone. Will he be hurt? Or more likely, will he be relieved that I did the thing he couldn't?

I don't know which possibility is more agonizing, but I know one thing. If he does find me, he will be angry as hell. Santiago too. I will have embarrassed them by running away like a coward. A De La Rosa doesn't run from their problems. They face them head-on. Only, this time I can't. Because what I'm facing feels like a firing squad, and I'm backed against a wall.

I appreciate Georgie and Solana helping me this way, but I know I can't stay here long. Not really. I don't have any cash now, and that's a problem, but I'll have to leave regardless. Maybe I can hitch a ride to another city and stay in a shelter until I can figure something else out.

As I consider it, I cringe at the insanity of that plan. I wouldn't be safe in a shelter. I won't be safe anywhere. Not once the full power of IVI is on my trail.

I draw in a shuddering breath, pull the blanket up over my head, and sink deeper into the couch. I'm too numb to cry anymore. I'm too tired to do anything. So I close my eyes, and despite all odds, I fall asleep.