“You’re very lucky,” the doctor says, flipping through my chart. “If that car had hit you dead on, your outcome could have been much worse.”
Lucky.It’s a word I’m really starting to hate it.
“When can I go home?”
“We’d like to keep you another few days for observation. The concussion and burr holes are our main concern—we want to make sure there’s no lingering issues. If your scans stay clear, you can be discharged later this week.”
“And then?”
“Rest. Lots of it. No work for at least two weeks. No driving until you’re past the headache and light sensitivity phase of the concussion. Someone should stay with you for the first few days in case of complications.”
I think about my empty house. My empty life. My parents are in a retirement village down in Florida. I love my parents, but they’re the kind of people who had a kid cause it was expected, not because they wanted one. Their proudest moment was waiting until they’d shipped me off to college to turn my room into a man cave.
I know they love me, but asking them to come help would be a nightmare.
I rack my brain trying to think of someone who might be able to help. I guess I could ask Kya or Mercy but they’re both neck deep in the reopening of Devil’s. Emma is Stone’s kid, so she’s off the table, not to mention recovering from surgery. Poppy or Andi could be an option, but they’ve both got kids to focus on.
I could try Maggie or Ginger, but I don’t feel like I know either of them well enough to impose upon them like that.
I glance at Stone.
The fact is the only person I want to call is currently sitting three feet away, watching me with those unreadable gray eyes.
“I’ll figure something out,” I say.
The doctor nods and leaves. Stone waits until the door closes before speaking.
“You’re not going back to your house.”
“Excuse me?”
“The crash wasn’t an accident, Josie.”
I’ve been waiting for this. Have known, on some level, since I woke up. But hearing it confirmed still hits like a punch to the chest.
“You’re sure?”
“Hawk pulled the traffic cam footage. The SUV was waiting. It ran the light specifically to hit you.” His jaw is tight, his eyes hard. “After impact, the driver bailed. Footage shows him staggering out, holding his ribs. He might have been moving slow, but the bastard knew exactly where he was going.”
The clinical details make it worse somehow. This wasn’t road rage or an accident. Someone sat in that SUV, watched me approach, and made the decision to end my life.
“Someone tried to kill you. And until we find out who, you’re under club protection.”
Our gazes meet, and I can see the fury banked behind his eyes.. We both know exactly who ordered the hit.
Summit.
“Club protection means what, exactly?”
“You’ll stay at the clubhouse where we can keep you safe.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Josie—”
“I have a life, Stone. A job. A home. I can’t just move into your clubhouse because someone?—”
“Someone tried tomurderyou.” He leans forward, intensity radiating off him. “You’re the one who built the case against Summit. You’re the one who connected their shell companies. Without your evidence, the DA’s entire investigation falls apart.” He pauses, letting that sink in. “You really think they’re going to stop at one attempt?”
