Heat scorched Emmett's face as he redressed himself, perched on one of Doctor Sal's patient beds. The injuries he sustained could easily be treated and he'd gotten him some STD meds to ensure he didn't catch anything from that disgusting bastard.

"Are you sure you wouldn't want to go to an actual hospital?" Sal asked, removing his latex gloves. "You could have a rape kit done there and they wouldn't inform the cops if you didn't want them to."

"And have that somewhere in their evidence files?" Emmett donned his black overcoat, puffing out his chest. "I'd rather keep this between us, got it?"

"Okay. How are you feeling?" Sal asked. "I know you like putting a tough act on around me, but be honest."

"I'm fine. Nothing I can't handle." Emmett shrugged, averting his gaze from him. "Still sore, but I can handle the pain. It doesn't bother me. I killed the man who did it, so there's nothing to worry about. Not like his ghost can come back and rape me again."

"You shouldn't have to be here alone," Sal said.

"Nobody else needs to know about this. If it got out, I'd lose respect from my people," Emmett told him. "They'd never look at me the same. I'd be considered weak to them, disgusting even."

"Emmett."

"I've been through this before. I don't need anyone here holding my hand," Emmett snapped. "If we're done here, I'd like to get back to my place. Just give me a call when you've got the test results back. I know these meds are gonna make me feel like shit."

Sal only nodded, a touch of sorrow lingered in his expression. "I'm sorry."

"For what?" Emmett asked, pausing at the door. "If not for you, I'd probably be dead by now."

"I'm sorry you've had such an awful life."

"Don't be so dramatic, Sal. I enjoy being with the Voiceless Rebels. It's the first time I've felt like I truly belong somewhere. They're my family."

Back at the hideout, Emmett made his way into their lounging room. Charlie laid, sprawled out on the couch, munching on a pack of Nacho Cheese Doritos.

"Hey, boss." Charlie greeted him.

"Whatcha up to?" Emmett asked, coming around the side of the couch.

"Icing this damn ankle." Charlie gestured to his leg, propped up on the table. "Twisted it when we was running. Sal said I gotta keep it at an elevator level."

Emmett choked back a chuckle at the mispronunciation. "Yeah, at least that's the only injury you got. Have you seen Kaz?"

"I think he's down at his art studio," Charlie replied. "He's been reaching out to Jordy, but he's mad at him. He didn't want him to come rescue you."

Emmett's jaw ticked. "Is that so?"

"Yeah, but I think it's cuz he worries about Kaz," Charlie explained. "That's what Kaz said to me. He's been pretty quiet since we got back. He wants to find his mom, but the cops won't tell him nothing."

"I see. Well, maybe we can find her for him," Emmett said.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea." Charlie shook his head. "You know what she did to him as a kid. That woman's fucked up. Like, I get she was hurt and kidnapped and all but she ain't no saint."

"You're right. Kaz is probably better off never seeing that woman again. Maybe we should've left her behind in that cage to burn to death," Emmett replied. "It's not like Kaz would've known."

"He wonders if his mom might've been trapped in there and died in the fire," Charlie said. "You guys made sure everyone got out, right? There was no chance anyone might've stuck around?"

"Nope, we got them all out. More likely, she's somewhere out on the streets, turning tricks. It's common for addicts to become whores. Can't get a well paying job since they can't pass a drug test, so they turn to prostitution. Probably how most of the women ended up there," Emmett replied.

"I guess you ain't wrong. Just sad how that happens. Poor Kaz. He's such a nice guy, you know? Never understood how he ended up here with us," Charlie said.

Emmett frowned. "What do you mean?"

"If not for that accident with his father, he'd be living a good life with a loving family. He didn't choose this shit. He was forced into it."

"What's Kaz been telling you lately?" Emmett asked. "Where's all this coming from?"

"I don't know, boss. Just seeing him recognize his mom back there... I could see how upset it made him. Like, he really wanted to save her. Even after all the shit she did. Man, I couldn't do that. If some bitch forced me into drugs and called me a killer on TV, I'd want her to just die there."

"Kaz has a good heart. Just a silly head sometimes." Emmett smiled. "He's too trusting of people, wanting to give them another chance. I brought him here to keep him safe, but I never thought he'd mean so much to me."

"I'm glad you're okay, boss. You know, you scared the shit outta us. I was worried when you didn't come bust my ass outta jail that night," Charlie told him.

"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry about that." Emmett scratched the back of his head. "I'm glad that Daniel came and got your ass out."

Charlie nodded. "Me too."

It wasn't long before Kazimir got back to the hideout. Meanwhile, Emmett focused on their drug clientele in his office, ensuring nobody had been cut short while he'd been away. Everything looked excellent so far, just as he expected from his right hand, Alfie.

A knock on his door pulled him from his reverie. "Are you busy?" Kazimir asked before tugging the door open; the hinges squealing in protest.

"Just going over inventory," Emmett replied. "What's up?"

Kazimir rocked on the balls of his feet, hands clasped behind his back. "Remember how I told you about Adrian?"

Frown lines creased Emmett's forehead. Why bring up that damn cop again?

"I do."

"Well, I might've had help from him in getting you back," Kazimir explained. "He figured out where the Black Vipers warehouse was located. If not for him, we never would've found you."

Emmett's jaw ticked. "Why are you telling me this now?"

"He wants to meet with me. I've been ignoring his calls, but I feel bad for just ghosting him. He hadn't wanted me to break into the place with the rebels, and I don't think he's too pleased about the fire. But I want to go and explain everything-"

"No."

Kazimir blinked, mouth gaped for a moment. "What?"

"I said no. Meeting with that cop will guarantee your arrest," Emmett said. "He's playing you. Please, don't act stupid and fall for it."

"I'm not stupid," Kazimir shot back. "Adrian's a good guy, and he's on our side. If it wasn't for him, we might not have found you. He helped me search for you."

"On our side?" Emmett scoffed. "Sweetheart, he's only being nice because he wants to fuck you. He won't mind arresting you, and likely, the rest of us. Block him and never speak to him again."

"You can't just tell me I can't see him," Kazimir argued.

"Look, I'm in no mood to argue, Kaz. You stay away from that cop, if you know what's good for you."

"Whatever." Kazimir rolled his eyes. "I won't answer him."

"Good." Emmett checked his computer screen, realizing the time. "Have you made plans for lunch?"

"No, I haven't," Kazimir replied.

"You wanna come with me down to Everly's place?" Emmett offered. "I promised to stop by and have lunch. I'm sure she'd love your company too."

Kazimir nodded. "Yeah, sounds good. Let me just grab my coat and we can head out."

After Emmett finished going over his inventory, he grabbed his coat and shoes, then made his way downstairs to find Kazimir. His heart stung at the mention of that damn cop, Adrian, and he couldn't understand why his lover had gotten so fascinated with him. Then again, Kazimir always saw the best in people, not wanting to look deeper into their motives.

If Emmett needed to, he'd sneak Kazimir's phone away while he slept and block that number himself. He couldn't let that asshole cop charm his way into Kazimir's heart, or his bed. If Kazimir wasn't careful around him, he might slip up intel that could get them all arrested, and that was the last thing Emmett needed on his plate.

💀

On their way to Everly's house, they drove in silence. Emmett gripped the steering wheel tightly, coming around a windy bend. He spared a glance at Kazimir, who focused his attention on the scenery around them through the window.

Emmett considered what to say, not wanting to irk his lover further. Maybe it was for the best that they stayed quiet. He'd just gotten home, yet Emmett felt more distanced from Kazimir than ever. When he first got back, he worried his lover wouldn't want to be around him, but that's why he kept what happened to him a secret. Only Sal really knew what happened in that god-forsaken place.

"Hey, are you alright?" Emmett asked. "You've been quiet the whole drive here."

"I'm fine. You're the one that's been acting weird."

Kazimir opened his door and climbed out, slamming it shut before Emmett could respond. A tight pressure welled in Emmett's chest as he inhaled a deep breath, sighing. It had been hard to cope with everything after he'd been rescued from that hellhole. No matter what he did, he couldn't stop the nightmares but the cocaine he injected into his veins kept him wide awake; chasing away the horrors that lurked in the depths of his mind.

"Kaz, if there's something you wanna say, go ahead."

"I understand why you're skeptical of Adrian, but he's not like those cops you know. He's trustworthy, I promise. Jordy's already pissed at me and I want to see if clearing things up between them would make them hate me less."

"I'm sure they don't hate you, sweetheart." Emmett rested a hand on his back, guiding him up to the porch. "But if they do, then they were never really your friends. It sounds like that Adrian guy just used you for information about us, although he put on an act to deceive you."

"You're probably right." Kazimir leaned against his arm, sighing. "I'm sorry for putting so much faith in people. I should've learned my lesson by now, considering everything. Hell, I even put you in danger by letting that Jack guy hang around. Had I known, I never would have let him in my art studio."

"It's not like you could've known what he'd been up to," Emmett told him.

When they reached the porch, Emmett knocked on the door. Adam's truck wasn't in the driveway, meaning he likely still had a shift at the police station. He knew his little sister had to be worried about him, especially when she learned of his kidnapping. Having to stay with their baby instead of searching for him with the others had to be hard on her too.

"Oh my God, Emmett." Everly threw her arms around him, squeezing tightly. "You asshole, I've been worried sick and you're just coming to visit? I had half a mind to drive to y'all's hideout just to be sure you were okay."

Emmett rubbed the back of his neck, forcing a half-smile. "I'm sorry for not dropping by sooner. But at least I'm here now."

"Yeah, come in. Take a load off. I'm making tacos for supper."

"Sounds great," Emmett replied.

They made their way into the foyer, kicking their shoes off on the dark pink Go Away mat. The television had some cartoon playing with bears on it and toys scattered out across the living room floor. Emmett was careful not to step on any blocks.

"Is Grace sleeping?" Kazimir asked.

"Yep, which I'm grateful for. I've finally got some cleaning done around here," Everly replied. "Just haven't reached the living room, but I got all the dishes done. They'd been piling up, even though Adam tries to help me get them done."

"Adam's at work, ain't he?" Emmett asked.

Everly nodded. "Won't be back home until late tonight. That's why I invited you now, cuz I figured you wouldn't wanna bump into him. He's pissed off about what happened at that old warehouse. Y'all freaking set it on fire!"

Emmett grinned. "I know, it was fucking awesome. Wish you could've seen it. Damn place burned to the ground, with Griffin's dead ass inside it."

Everly gaped. "Griffin? You don't mean..."

"The one and only. Turns out he'd been pretending to be that Jack guy, who Kaz has been letting hang out at his art studio. I didn't recognize him cuz he's had plastic surgery and I didn't think dead men came back to life. What do you know?"

"Jesus, that's insane." Everly sighed, kicking her feet up on the table. "I would've done anything to be there with you guys. Adam had to work and I couldn't get any of our parents to come in that soon. You know I wanted to be there saving your sorry ass too."

"I get it. Don't worry. That shit is too dangerous for you to bother with. You've gotta stay alive for that little one of yours. Don't let her grow up with only Adam, poor thing will be traumatized." Emmett snickered.

Everly whacked his forearm playfully. "Don't say shit like that. And for your information, Adam is a great father. I've yet to see you change a single dirty diaper."

Kazimir chuckled at that. "As if he'd ever do that."

"I'll pass on that." Emmett wrinkled his nose.

"You act like such a child sometimes," Everly teased. "I'm sure Kaz might want kids someday, yeah? You gonna let him handle all the shit himself?"

"Huh?" Emmett's face flushed. "I never agreed to have any little brats. I'm gay for a reason, to prevent that. Kaz better not pop out no babies. I'm gonna be concerned."

"You're ridiculous." Kazimir failed to fight back his grin. "But don't worry, I've never really considered having kids of my own. I mean, it crossed my mind before, but I'm in no place to raise them. I'd rather just be the cool uncle."

"Yeah, I'm with Kaz on that. We'll just be Grace's cool uncles." Emmett grinned.

"Well, I guess I ought to get supper started before Grace wakes up." Everly rose from the couch. "Help yourselves to some pops in the fridge or beer. I can buy Adam more later."

"Sure, don't mind if I do. Want anything, Kaz?" Emmett asked.

"I'm good for now," Kazimir told him.

As Emmett and Everly made their way into the kitchen, Emmett got a cold beer out of the fridge and popped the top, taking a refreshing gulp. Everly rummaged through her appliances; pots and pans clattered as she searched for the one she wanted. Only when she pulled the ingredients out did she curse.

"Shit, Adam forgot to buy the tortilla shells when he went shopping yesterday." Everly groaned. "Would you care to stay here and watch Grace while I grab some? I might pick up a few other things while I'm out. If you don't mind."

"Yeah, go ahead. We'll be fine," Emmett reassured her. "If you want, we can get supper started for you. Don't worry, I'll let Kaz handle the stove. I know you don't trust me."

Everly grinned. "That would be great. Thank you guys so much. I promise, I won't take too long."

When Everly left, Emmett made himself comfortable on the couch. He slung one arm around Kazimir, who nestled up against his chest. Although he didn't say a word, Emmett felt at home being snuggled up next to him.

The baby's wailing broke the tranquility of it all. As Grace screamed her lungs out, Emmett groaned, massaging his temples as a headache formed. Kazimir sprung from the couch and down into her room, hoping to calm her down. Just when he thought they'd get some time to themselves.

As Kazimir consoled his wailing niece, Emmett took a few more sips of his beer, trying to drown out the pitiful cries. Emmett wasn't too pleased when Kazimir brought Grace into the living room, bouncing her in his arms. At least he got her to shut up.

"You care to watch her while I get supper started in there?" Kazimir asked, handing the squirmy baby out to him.

Emmett flinched. "Eh, are you sure?"

Kazimir sighed. "Come on, just watch her for a few minutes. Put her down on the floor if you must."

"Fine," Emmett grumbled.

Holding Grace made him uncomfortable. What the hell was he supposed to do with her? He gently placed her on the floor, letting her try to crawl back up on his leg. Emmett scooted down on the couch, away from her, handing her a toy cell phone to keep occupied.

Babysitting had not been on his agenda for the day. Emmett removed his coat, tossing it down beside him as he reached for the remote to flip through the channels. He settled on the news station, where they broadcast the carnage from that warehouse out in the countryside.

Flames licked up almost every inch of the building, leaving nothing but rubble behind. They knew it had been the work of gangs, but they didn't have the entire story. Nobody else knew how Emmett had been kidnapped and he planned to keep it that way. The last thing he needed was for them to find out what happened to him back there.

Haunting flashbacks came to mind as they showed the rubble, where obvious pieces of their cages laid. It didn't destroy them all. They found Griffin's crispy corpse too, but he'd yet to be identified. With how badly his body had burned, perhaps they never would be able to put a name to his face, especially considering how he'd been masquerading as a dead man all this time.

"Emmett." Kazimir's voice pulled him from his train of thought.

"Huh? What?" Emmett gazed over toward the kitchen.

"What's Grace got there? You better not have given her any sweets. Everly would kill you."

Sweets? Emmett glanced down at his feet, noticing his coat had fallen on the floor and Grace had rummaged through his pockets. She had his wallet in her lap; sucking on a plastic baggie of cocaine he'd had stowed in there for later.

"Oh fuck." Emmett snatched it from her hand, unbothered by how it made her cry. "The hell's wrong with you, kid? Don't be grabbing other people's stuff."

"Don't be so mean to her. You should've been more careful with your stuff," Kazimir replied, making his way over to them. "What did she get into?"

"Look, don't be upset and don't tell Everly..." Emmett held the plastic baggie, covered in slobber, up as evidence.

"Oh God. Emmett! Did you just fucking let her get into your coke?" Kazimir asked in disbelief. "Why would you even bring that in here?" Kazimir crouched down on the floor, examining Grace. "How much did she take?"

Emmett shrugged. "I dunno. I think some is on her clothes and on the floor. The bag's empty. Doesn't seem to have had an effect on her though, so I guess it's okay. Won't kill her."

"Are you fucking insane? We've gotta get her to a hospital right now." Kazimir picked Grace up, trying to check inside her mouth.

"I mean, it's not like she's overdosed or had any reactions to it yet. Maybe she never ate any and just played with it?" Emmett suggested.

"I don't care. I'll take her myself if you won't help me. She needs proper medical care for this." Kazimir had already gotten his coat and shoes on, heading for the door.

"I think you're overreacting here," Emmett groaned. "But fine, come on, we'll take her. Everly's got the car seat though, so I don't know how you expect this to work."

Kazimir bit on his lower lip, trembling as he held Grace tight. "I'll hold her. Just drive carefully and don't get pulled over by the cops."

"Maybe we should just wait until Everly's home and explain what happened," Emmett replied. "She'll probably be fine. Babies bounce back from shit easier, I think I read that somewhere."

"Dammit, Emmett this is serious. Drugs have awful effects on little kids' bodies. I would fucking know. If she doesn't get help now, she might suffer from withdrawal symptoms later or grow up to get dependent on drugs later in her life. If this doesn't kill her."

Emmett frowned. "Yeah, okay. Come on, we'll take her to the hospital. I'll drive carefully. I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean for her to get into my stash. Just didn't consider her grabbing my coat."

"It was a stupid accident," Kazimir told him. "Let's just hope and pray she'll be alright."