Gypsy never made it to the back door before she felt arms go around her to stop her from entering the house. Gypsy dropped down to one knee as she elbowed her attacker in the gut. Gypsy screamed out, “No, no, no, I won’t go back. You will never own me again. Just kill me, please!”

Gypsy saw through her tears as Sadie dropped to her knees. She felt the arms around her let go as Sadie grabbed a hold of her and pulled her in. Gypsy buried her head into Sadie’s neck and cried.

Drawing in a steadying breath, she decided it was time to leave. With her gaze down and subdued voice, Gypsy shared her decision, “I’ll go pack my stuff.” With a sniffle, she continued. “Hank, can you please take me back to the airport? I’ll go ahead and go back to Los Angeles. Sadie, I’ll get my agent to send you some recommendations for new makeup artists for you to have for future films and photo shoots. I’m sorry.” Gypsy stood up and made her way toward the door again.

Hank stood in front of Gypsy blocking her way to the door. “No, Gyps. I’m sorry, I was out of line. You don’t have to leave. Please stay. We’ll have a few of the guys on patrol around the grounds, and I’ll see what I can find out about the letter. Mark my words, we’ll find out who did this.”

“No, Hank. I won’t put Sadie and Emily in harm’s way if I do have some crazy stalker. I’ll go back to Los Angeles and take my chances there,” Gypsy firmly said, her back ramrod straight as she avoided Hank’s gaze.

“Gypsy, let my team and me help you, please? Sadie will make herself sick worried about you. Stay here, my team and I can look into this and help you get this handled before the two weeks is up. Please?” Hank pleaded with his hands on Gypsy’s shoulder, urging her to make eye contact.

“Hank, I couldn’t bear for anyone to be in harm’s way because of me. Plus, your team has real clients to protect. I will be better off in Los Angeles or somewhere else,” Gypsy finished quietly.

“Maybe we do Gypsy, but you are family. My wife brought you into her fold, whether you realize this or not. When she did that, you became family. And that means we protect you as if we were blood related,” Hank said strongly as he held her gaze.

Gypsy stared back at Hank trying to make him back off, but only found herself getting pissed when Hank let a smirk show during their stare down. Gypsy narrowed her eyes which caused Hank to chuckle further.

“Give it up, Gyps, I’ve had stare downs with terrorists and won. Just ask Swede and Jerry.”

“Only because you got training, loser,” Sadie mumbled.

“Yeah, but you women are born with it. I thought Montana here had the crazy stare until I realized it must be a family trait, not the Navy training. When Allie pulls that stare down on me, I’m done for,” Swede said grumbly, yet chuckling.

Gypsy rolled her eyes as she cracked a smile. “Fine, you win. I’ll stay just a few more days just to make sure it’s nothing serious. But Hank, if this escalates, I’m leaving, even if I have to walk to the airport. Are we clear?”

Hank laughed and saluted Gypsy. “Yes, ma’am. My team and I will find out what is going on. I promise.”

“Damn, grunt,” Gypsy mumbled with a laugh.

“Sorry ma’am, I was a Navy SEAL, not Army. A huge difference. We have more intelligence,” Hank mock-growled at Gypsy.

“And better looking,” Jerry agreed.

Gypsy looked at Jerry and rolled her eyes. “Stuck up much?”

Swede laughed, “She nailed you there, Elmo.” This elicited a laugh from everyone as they ribbed one another.

“Elmo, I know you’re still settling in, but I want you assigned to Gypsy,” Hank started.

“No! I don’t need a shadow,” Gypsy protested.

“Gypsy, he won’t always be with you, just when Swede and I aren’t in the house or with you. You won’t need more than me or Jerry unless this escalates. He’s not going to shadow you to the bathroom or sleep in your room with you,” Hank said reassuring Gypsy.

“Unless you want me to,” Jerry said, winking at Gypsy.

“Keep dreaming, Ernie. Not happening,” Gypsy declared.

“It’s Elmo sweet cheeks, not Ernie, unless you want to be Bert,” Jerry responded.

“Dude, shut up. You’re ruining Sesame Street,” Hank demanded with a groan. Everyone busted out laughing.

“Are you going to be ok, Gypsy?” Sadie asked concerned.

“Yeah, I will. I just hate the worry of putting you and Emily in danger, yet at the same time I feel stupid that you guys want to put a gopher on my shadow over something that is probably someone just pissed they can’t be your bitch,” Gypsy said.

“Nonsense. I’d rather Hank and his team overreact than not do anything,” Sadie said firmly. Everyone around Gypsy agreed.

“Okay. Fine. You win.” Gypsy sighed as she looked at Jerry. “Alright Ernie, guess you’re the new gopher in my shadows now.”

“It’s Jerry or Elmo. If you keep calling me Ernie, I’m going to call you Bert.”

Gypsy looked a Jerry for the first time, really studying him. He stood 6’3”, well-muscled from what she could tell with the way he filled out his shirt. She could see he worked out a lot. She noticed part of a sleeve tattoo going down his left arm, peeking out of his short sleeve shirt going down to his wrist. It was obvious worked out. The way his waist tapered in told her he must have washboard abs and his jeans fit snuggly, showcasing his tight ass. The sight of this man made her insides quiver for the first time in well, ever. She quickly moved her eyes back up to his face, realizing why he earned his name Elmo; he had red hair with a buzzed military crew cut style with a strong chiseled jaw that held a smirk she’d like to knock off his lips. She saw his blue-green eyes shine with a hint of mischief, which could be dangerous. She was so confused with her warring emotions and thoughts that were running through her mind. Men as a whole had her running in the opposite direction, but there was something about Jerry that had her looking hard.

“Like what you see, Bert?”

“Fuck off, Ernie. Hank, do you have a female who can be my shadow or is this gopher it?”

Hank chuckled light heartedly. “Sorry Gypsy, only have males on the team so far. There are a couple of females I am considering, but they are still being talked to at this time. It’s either Jerry or I can switch him out with someone else already assigned.”

“Great. Fine. Whatever. Let gopher boy stay. Just be warned if I stab his ass, I’m not paying for his hazard pay,” Gypsy declared.

“Warning noted.” Hank laughed.

Without a backward glance, Gypsy walked into the house and went up to her room. She went through her nightly routine of getting ready for bed. Just before falling asleep, she picked up her phone and sent a ‘check-in’ text to one of her “guardians” just like she had for the last six years.

GYPSY: Hey Ice, I’m in Eagle Rock, Montana. I’m staying with Sadie Patterson at her ranch for the next two weeks.

ICE: About time, Gypsy Danger. How is everything? Sorry we haven’t talked much lately, it’s been crazy here.

Gypsy smiled at Ice’s nickname for her. Ice and Red took to calling her that while she was in the hospital after she’d attempted suicide. Red had put in the movie Pacific Rim and it was all downhill from there, that was the only movie Gypsy wanted to watch over and over.

GYPSY: All’s good. Staying busy. Finally taking first vacation ever.

ICE: And you didn’t come to see us? I’m telling on you.

Gypsy laughed at the mad emoji’s that followed in the text.

GYPSY: I called but was told that you guys were out of town.

ICE: Oh yeah. We just got back from Mexico. Hell broke loose.

Gypsy became concerned.

GYPSY: Everyone ok?

ICE: Yes, a few injuries. But we are all home. Hell won’t let anything happen to us, Gyps. How are thing with your parents?

Gypsy sighed.

GYPSY: Mom still blames herself, and dad is still an asshole as always. He will never change.

ICE: Still seeing Dr. Colez?

GYPSY: Yeah, for now. Thinking of getting a new therapist after our last session. She says to tell you guys hi though.

ICE: Why a new therapist?

GYPSY: She questioned the face you and the team keep in touch. Something about it possibly hindering my healing process.

Gypsy started to tear up.

ICE: Do you think so? If that’s true, then as much as we would hate it, we’d stop checking in on you. The last thing the team wants to do is stunt your healing process. But know that no matter what happens, the team and I will always be there for you.

GYPSY: HELL NO! You guys make me feel safe and keep me focused on beating my demons. She backed off after I told her that. Especially when I told her that I’m still alive because of you and Red; you two were there for me when I wanted to give up so many times. You two are the only reason I’m in therapy.

ICE: D wants to know if you want us to put a banana in her tail pipe. The crazy fool.

Gypsy laughed, shaking her head at the joke.

GYPSY: Tell D not yet. I’ll let her know. I take it you are still at work?

ICE: Yeah. Processing paperwork. 5 new girls to get returned to family.

GYPSY: Mexico?

ICE: Yeah. Red and Taz having a hard time since we got back a week ago. Both have shut down.

Gypsy gasped and sat up in the bed.

GYPSY: OMG! The ones injured? Are they ok? I can get a flight back to California in the morning.

ICE: No need. Stay there and enjoy your vacation, Gyps. They are ok. It was bad down there for the two of them. Red was shot when they were rescued by the SEALs. But they are both home now.

GYPSY: Are you sure. Just let me know. I’ll be on the first flight out. I will text her tomorrow. Heading to bed. Will check in as normal in a few days.

Gypsy laid her phone on the night stand, then smiled when the next text chimed in.

ICE: Good night Gypsy Danger. Glad you FINALLY took a vacation. We will always be here if you need us. All you have to do is shout…ICE.

Gypsy smiled at Ice’s nickname for her. She snuggled back down in the bed. She stared out the window toward the moon, saying a silent prayer for Red and Taz. Red was someone Gypsy also checked in with now and then besides Ice. She wasn’t too familiar with who Taz was, since she was new to the team, but she still talked to her now and then if she was around when Gypsy called.

Lying back on the bed, she thought back to her and Ice’s text messages. She didn’t know what possessed her to tell Ice about Dr. Colez’s comment about her still being in touch with them. Her father even hated the fact Gypsy still talked to the women who rescued her from hell seven years ago.

Gypsy rubbed her left wrist bearing one of the scars; she had attempted suicide six and a half years ago. Red and Ice had found her after she’d unknowingly called and left the line open. They had rushed her to the hospital, staying with her the whole time and refused to allow Gypsy’s father in to visit her while she was there. Both women took turns sitting with her, reading to her, holding her down despite the obscenities she screamed at them. They yelled back at her when she needed it and wouldn’t to leave her side no matter what. They fought with her and for her to live.

Gypsy knew she’d always have people in her corner as long as Red and Ice were in her life. They worked with her in recovery. Both women got her into counseling, helped Gypsy get her GED, enrolled her into cosmetology courses, and were her guinea pigs to help her practice her magic on. They put her in Krav Maga classes, even attending the classes with her. They both taught her how to defend herself if someone tried to attack her in a vehicle. Ice even went as far as to teach her how to defend herself with a knife. Both women took her to the shooting range to make sure she was efficient with a gun. Red and Ice helped Gypsy reclaim her life. Dr. Colez could kiss her ass and suck monkey dick if she felt her connection with them was hindering her healing process. She refused to stop talking to them, short of death.