His body heat covers me as his body quakes. I can’t tell whose tears are whose as he presses his lips to mine.
There couldn’t be a more perfect ending to our utter devastation.
40
Ian
The flashing lights are blinding. My ears are muffled. I can’t make out everything that’s being said to me as I run behind the paramedics as they wheel an unconscious Maggie out of my house.
“Sir, you can’t ride with her. You can meet us at Vanderbilt.”
“No! I need to go with her.”
The paramedic pushes me back as I try to climb inside. “Please, sir. Not to be blunt, but we need the space to save her life, and I can’t have you in the way.”
A sob rips from my chest. “Go. Save her. Please.”
With a curt nod, he slams the door. Seconds later, the ambulance is speeding down my street, lights and sirens blaring through the night.
From beside me, I hear, “We need to ask you some questions.”
“Not now,” I bark at the police officer who sidles up to me as I watch the love of my life being taken away from me. “I’m going to the hospital. You can ask me questions there.”
I pivot on my heels and start to head inside my house to get a shirt, shoes, and my keys. I only had sweats on when I found Maggie in the kitchen. As I glance down, my stomach sinks, and fresh tears spring to my eyes. My once grey sweatpants are stained bright red.
“Mr. Murray, you have to talk to me.”
Spinning around, I step into the officer. “Listen here, you inconsiderate piece of shit—” A firm hand pushes against my bare chest, and I stumble backwards. “What the fuck?”
My friend, Carlos, steps between me and the police officer.
“Ian, go grab your shit and get to the hospital. I’ve already texted the guys and called the hospital to let them know Maggie’s husband is on the way.”
The officer protests from behind Carlos. “Detective Martinez, you can’t just?—”
Carlos turns away from me and cuts off the officer. I take the opportunity to sprint inside. I’ve wasted too much time. I need to get to Maggie.
Fifteen minutes later, I burst through the emergency room doors. And as soon as I’m through security, I hurry to the front desk. “Ma’am, an ambulance just brought in a stabbing victim. She’s my wife. I need to know where she is. A detective already called to tell you I was on my way.”
The woman at the front desk nods. “Yes, I was told to expect you. Let me check on where she is.”
I appreciate her no-nonsense attitude. I don’t think I could handle someone who looked at me with pity and sadness. I might lose it.
“I’m going to make a phone call. I want to make sure Isend you to the right place. I don’t think she is still down here.”
“Thank you.”
I cross my arms and pace the length of the waiting room, praying to the universe that she is okay.
But there was so much blood.
My hand covers my mouth, fingertips digging into my cheeks. I drop into one of the chairs, and my elbows go to my knees. Head swirling, I fight dizziness as my body is losing the battle of the drop in adrenaline.
“Ian?” Jack’s voice jolts me upright.
I stand on shaky legs, and he’s by my side, gripping my forearm. “Sit back down before we have to check you in, too.” His voice is softer than I think I’ve ever heard it. His eyes search my face, concern he’s attempting to disguise clearly evident.
I lower back into the chair, and he sits next to me.
