“Okay, I’ll see what I can do.”
It starts to ring again, and I pull it out to see Beck’s name.
Not sure if I want to deal with anything he might have to say right now, I ignore the call.
Within seconds, it’s ringing again.
“Scott, I’d better take this. Beck has called me three times in a row.”
He waves me off as I stand and move to the exit of the restaurant.
“Hey, Beck. What’s up?” I try to keep my voice neutral, ready for whatever he has to say.
“Silas, Brooke’s been in an accident.”
My heart stops. “Where is she?” I fumble with my keys and walk to my truck.
“They took her to Walker General. My dad is on his way, but it’ll take him at least two hours to get there. Get to her as fast as you can.” Beck sounds anything buthis usual calm.
I get into my car, start the engine, and pull out of the parking lot. “Already on my way. But wait, how was she in a car accident? Was she by herself?”
“She was driving a Honda Civic, so I’m guessing she was in Chelsea’s car. They said a small tornado hit that side of town about forty-five minutes ago. Did you not see it?”
I shake my head even though he can’t see me. “I was in the gym this morning, and then I met Scott for breakfast after. Fuck, I just left him in the restaurant.”
“I’ll let him know what’s going on. Just get to my sister. And call me with updates as soon as you can.” He disconnects before I can reply.
I smack my hand on the wheel. “Fuck!”
The smell of disinfectant hits me as soon as I walk into the hospital.
I run up to the empty check-in desk—because of course it is—and look around for someone to help me.
“Hello?” I call out. I’m sure it’s loud, but I don’t give a fuck.
A little lady with white hair and a smile walks up, then sits down in the chair behind the desk. “Can I help you?”
“I’m looking for Brooke Linson. She was brought in a while ago. Car accident.” I tap on the counter while she slowly pulls up the computer screen.
“Oh, yes. There she is. Only family is allowed back at this time. They’re still running tests on her.”
“Okay, I understand, but I’m her husband.”
“Well, that’ll do it. You can go back, but I need your ID so I can issue a wristband.”
“Great. Thanks.”
She straps on one of those paper bands that suck to take off on my wrist.
“I’ll buzz you through those doors. Then you’ll take that hallway all the way down, then to the right. You should see her right away.”
“Thank you.” I take off through the heavy security door before she even stops talking.
I pace the hallway for a minute as I try to catch my breath, my heart still trying to kick its way out of my ribs.
I pull open the door, and there she is. She’s sitting up when I walk in. Alive. Breathing. A nurse takes her vitals.
Her head has a gauze wrap around it, and she’s covered in a blanket that’s too thin for what she just went through.
