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The wait is over. Thad has made his next move. And as we drive to the other side of the island and roll up to my parents' home, I stare at the smoking outline of Betty and pray I'm still asleep. That this is all a bad dream. A nightmare.

It has to be, right?

Sully and the crew from the firehouse are putting the last of the flames out under Kace's supervision. I leave Havoc in the locked car with windows cracked to ensure he doesn't slip away in the chaos.

Time passes in a blur as the firefighters make sure the flames are completely doused. When they begin packing up the hoses and clearing the street, I realize the worst is over. Or maybe just beginning.

Neighbors are out in droves, looking tired and bleary eyed at the early hour yet too curious to go home despite the cold morning temperature. In the early light of dawn, I'm able to make out the damage. Rationally, I know it’s not a total loss and insurance will do what insurance does, but the red tape will take time, cause delays and cost us income.

Cost Jasmine income.

My hands fist, and I blink back angry tears, inhaling as I turn to scan the crowd once again. I see everyone but the one person I'm looking for.

But of course cowards are rarely brave enough to show their faces after they play God.

"Violet."

Sully's deep voice sounds harsh and angry. I don't care. His text to stay at the house had come just after I left. Regardless, he couldn't keep me there when this was happening here.

I watch as Sully makes his way through the crowd, but I don't allow myself to make eye contact. No, I'm still looking, still searching for the person responsible for this next blow to the new life I've built. The one he is slowly dismantling piece by piece.

He's here. I know he's here somewhere. Hiding, yes, but here.

I feel him watching me. I feel his satisfaction at yet another win.

My rage ticks higher inside me, stealing my air until all I can do is take shallow, gasping breaths. Loosening a cable and causing a delay with the bus is one thing. Bad, yes, but not potentially deadly.

Hurting Ty? Stealing from him?

Destroying my sister's means of income?

I'm livid.

I'm a volcano ready to blow. Ready to burn the world down to protect my loved ones and friends from the pathetic weasel of a man I allowed to intimidate me, control me, belittle me, abuse me—for far too long.

"You shouldn't be here."

Sully's arms close around me, turning me into his chest. His size blocks my view of the crowd, but the scent of him brings comfort. As does his embrace.

He's removed his turnout coat and helmet and still smells of smoke and chemicals. I stiffen in his arms and yank myself away, realizing something else.

It's only a matter of time before Sully will be a target if Thad isn't stopped. If I don't put an end to this. To us.

He's hurt my boss. My sister. It only makes sense that Thad will hurt Sully too if he has the chance. If I don't do something to stop him.

"Hey, take a breath. It'll be okay. Most of the damage is confined to the front. Betty survived the worst of it."

I stiffen at the words. Because nothing about this is okay. Will ever be okay. It's wrong.

And the bad guy?

He's winning.

How is that right? How is that okay?

Maybe it's the injustice of it all, but I can't see an okay in the future. Not until Thad is behind bars once again and paying for the chaos and pain and destruction he's caused. But what are the odds of that happening when I know he's out there, and I can't see him? When he's out there watching and gloating and free to do whatever he wants?

I push out of Sully's embrace, determined to stand on my own even though I'd love nothing more than for Sully to hold me together.