"How bad is it?"
"I don't think it was serious. He seemsprettycoherent. It's only a precaution, I promise. I'll give you a shout once we know what the doc wants to do,okay?"
"Um, yeah,okay."My voice sounds weird to my ears. It's like I'm hearingmyselffrom underwater or something.
"Try not to worry too much, Rylan. I'llcallyou with an update as soon as I can, alright?"
"Okay, yes. Thank you."I say, and end thecallbeforemy control slips completely. Jamie's warm hand rubs gentle circles on my shoulder, andbeforeI can stopmyself, I'm leaning against him, allowing him to support some of my weight. Just for a minute.
"Come on,"he says quietly."Let's go back to the room"
"I should—"
"You can't do anything else until the copscallyou back."His voice is soft but firm."He's safe, he's going to be checked over by the doctor. Let's go back to the room."
Ishouldargue. I need topull away, thank him for his concern, and deal with this on my own. But I don't do any of that.
Instead, I let Jamie lead me to the elevator and back upstairs to our room with his hand warm against my lower back.
Just for tonight, I tell myself. After this, I'll go back to dealing with things on my own. Like I always do.
We're only back in our room a few minutes when my cell rings, Constable Dave Mitchell's name flashing onto my screen—and I don't want to think about why I have the local RCMP officer's cell phone number programmed into my contacts.
"Hey, kid."Dave's voice is gentle in a waythatmakes my stomach clench.
"What did the doctor say?"I choke out, terrified.
"Your dad's going to be fine, Rylan. Doc Matthews wants to keep him overnight for observation. It'sjusta precaution. They're going to patch up the cut over his eye and let him sleep it off. We got lucky tonight, they have an available bed."
Yeah. Lucky. Constable Mitchell doesn't say the other part, though:thatmy dad getting admitted to the hospital means he won't have to he won't have to suffer the indignity of spending the night in the drunk tank. Again.
"Okay. Right."I say closing my eyes and swallowing hard.
"But Rylan... this is the third time this month. Something's gonna give soon if—"
My chest tightens."I know."I clear my throat before continuing."Thanks for your help. I'm going to have to make some arrangements with my team, but I'll be home as soon as I can."
"Okay, Ry. You take care, kid."Dave's voice softens."Your mom would be proud of you, you know."
"Thanks,"I manage to choke out again."I'll be there as soon as I can get a flight."
Chapter 17
JAMIE
Rylan's shoulders are rigid as he sets down the phone after talking to the police officer. He moves to his suitcase, probably looking for the comfort he gets from organizing stuff, but his hands are shaking so badly, he has trouble opening it.
"Here."I step closer, careful to telegraph my movements."Let me help."
He lets out a shaky breath."Jamie..."
"So, um my mom is a psychology professor."I push forward."She specializes in addiction treatment. She told me about this conference in Vancouver last year where she met a lot of people. I could… I could ask her for some advice if you want. She wouldn't have to know who I'm asking for, but maybe..."
Rylan goes still, and for a moment I think I've overstepped.
"Your mom." His voice is rough.
"Yeah."I give him a wry smile."My whole family is full of brainiacs. My mom is an expert in her field, and she knows a lot of people."I move a little closer."She has contacts all over North America."
