“He’s out of surgery and recovering well,” the doctor said. “We had to repair some internal bleeding, but the laceration was small and the blood loss was fairly controlled. We believe he’ll make a full recovery. He’s starting to wake up now.”
Whize nodded. “Thank you.”
“Can I see him?” I blurted.
The doctor glanced at me uncertainly. “He’s okay to have visitors, but that’s up to the authorities.”
“I’ll take care of it,” Whize cut in.
The doctor nodded, then turned and walked back down the hall, leaving us alone.
“I’m not sure it’s a good idea for you to see him, Skye,” Whize said cautiously.
I stood, fists clenching at my sides. “Please.”
I wasn’t sure why I wanted to see him. Maybe I needed the confirmation that he was alive. Everything was so overwhelming. My clashing emotions had me feeling dizzy and confused.
Whize regarded me, tilting his head. “Fine.” He relented. “But only for a few minutes. I’ll be right outside.”
My heart raced. “I understand.”
I followed him through the hospital halls until we stopped at a room with an armed officer standing outside. The officer frowned at Whize.
“She needs to talk to the suspect for a few minutes,” he explained.
The officer’s brows pinched together, but he stepped aside without question.
The detective opened the door for me. “Don’t get too close,” he instructed. “I’m keeping this door cracked open.”
I nodded, barely paying him any more attention as I stepped inside.
The tiny hospital room was dimly lit and quiet except for the rhythmic beeping of the monitors hooked up to my brother.
Ash looked unusually small in the bed. His skin was pale, with deep shadows under his eyes.
My heart broke.
His eyes were closed, and if not for the monitors behind him tracking vitals, I might have thought he was dead.
Tears welled as a strangled sob slipped from my lips.
Ash’s eyelids fluttered at the sound. It took him a few tries, but he finally caught my gaze.
His lips almost twitched into a smile, but then he groaned.
“Ash?” I whispered.
“Skye?” His voice was weak, gravelly. “I’m so sorry.”
I wrapped my arms around myself, squeezing tight to keep from shaking. “I’m sorry too, Ash.” My voice cracked.
His eyes drifted closed again before he forced them open. “I never wanted to hurt you,” he mumbled, his words slightly slurred.
Tears slid down my cheeks. “I never wanted to hurt you either.” My voice was thick.
“It’s not your fault.” It was the first time his voice sounded steady.
His hand twitched, as if he wanted to reach for me. Something metallic rattled, and I realized he was handcuffed to the bed rail.
