“Are they involved with the judge?” one cop asked, indicating Jian and his men who stood on the perimeter of the large space.
Shaking her head, she said, “They keep an eye on this place for us. They’re here because of the earlier explosion when we got out of thesub-basement.”
The dubious expression made her want to defend the street gang members, but the paramedics lifted Scott up and began to leave. No way they were going without her.
Trotting down the stairs after them, she remembered her first time here when she’d tripped. Scott had picked her up and carried her. Made some silly comments and set her on fire with his touch. Now he was covered in blood and unconscious.
“Is he going to be okay?” she asked as they loaded him intothe ambulance.
“We’ll know more when we get tothe hospital.”
They started to close the door but she shook her head, desperate. “I need to go with him.”
“Not in here,” the paramedic answered. “If you don’t have a ride, I’m sure one of the officers would be happy to drive you.” He indicated the officer who had followed her down. The door closed and the vehicle took off,sirens blaring.
Go, yes, she had to go too. Her car was around here some place. Where the hell had she parked? Her mind was muddled and tears slipped down her face. She had to stay with Scott.
“Would you like a ride?” Jian said, taking her elbow and escorting her away from the building.
A ride, yes, she needed a ride. Her mind couldn’t focus on anything more than that. Jian steered her toward an SUV and helped her get in. Why wasn’t she able to function? She needed Scott.
“Is there anyone you should call? Holland’s family?”
“Call? Yes, um, I should call Jack. That’s his cousin.” Looking around, she patted the seat next to her. “I don’t have a phone.” She knew that. Why was it such a surprise? God, she neededto get a grip.
“Use mine.”
Taking the cell phone he handed her, she stared at it for a minute. Jack. Yes, she needed to call Jack. What the hell was Jack’s number? Callie’s house. She remembered that number. Her fingers moved automatically over the screen, and then she waited for the phone to connect.
“Hello?” Jack’s deep voice sounded cautious. It was an unfamiliar number. And it was close to fivein the morning.
“Jack,it’s Heather.”
“What’s wrong and where have you been? Scott missed an appointment yesterday afternoon and Callie tried to call you all day.”
“I’m on my way tothe hospital.”
“How bad are you hurt?Where’s Scott?”
“I’m fine.” Her tears made her a liar. “It’s a long story but we found out who’s been sabotaging the mill. There was an explosion…and Scott…he’s in an ambulance, but he hasn’t woken up yet and he was covered in blood. I’ve got someone driving me there. I thought you should know.”
Jack confirmed which hospital and said he’d meet her there. Good, she’d need some support. Eventually, though it seemed like time had stood still, they arrived. Jian walked her in then went off to find her some coffee while she spoke to the people at the desk.
“The ambulance just brought my fiancé in. I need to know how he is. They wouldn’t tell me anything.” So she lied and they weren’t engaged. But no way were they keeping her from Scott due to a technicality. She’d had that happen when Jonathan was hospitalized last year.
The woman at the desk took Scott’s name and told her to sit while she got the information. Wandering to a vacant chair, she sat and pulled her knees to her chest. He had to be all right. Had to be. He’d said he loved her and then…boom. There hadn’t been time to say it back. But she did love him. Had for some time.?It’s why she’d been so afraid of him after their night in Vermont. He’d brought out too many deep feelings in her. Stupid fear. She could be independent and still be in love. They weren’t mutually exclusive.
“Thought you could use this.” Jian appeared in front of her and the scent of coffee filled her nose.
“You are a god. Thank you. And for bringing me here. And all you’ve done to help Scott. I know he’dappreciate it.”
“No worries. Holland will be fine. He’s made ofstrong stuff.”
Yeah, she had to believe that. Jian sat next to her, silent but supportive as she pulled herself together and attempted to stop the flood of tears that insisted on falling. When she thought she had herself under control, Jack and Callie flew in, Callie scooping her close for a hug. Or as close as Callie could get inher condition.
“How is he?” Jack all but demanded.
The flood started again. “I don’t know. No one’s told meanything yet.”
