This can’t be happening. Not again.
Why didn’t she tell me?
Maybe it wasn’t his.
No. It had to be his.
And I wasn’t there when she needed me.
He jumped up from his seat and ran to his office. He pulled out the folder he kept in his desk with all the information for Brooke’s school in case of emergency. He called the dorm advisor first, since Brooke wasn’t answering her phone and going through Mindy Sue probably wouldn’t get him anywhere.
“Hello.”
“Andrew. This is Cody Jansen. I’m trying to reach my sister, Brooke Banks, but I can’t seem to get ahold of her. Is she in the dorm right now?”
“Uh…” The pause lasted so long, Cody thought maybe the connection had cut out.
“Andrew? Are you still there?”
“Sorry. I’ve been instructed by campus security not to give out any information on Brooke’s whereabouts.”
That set off all kinds of red flags. “Why?”
“I’m sorry, I can’t say. You’ll need to call the dean for more information.”
Cody hung up, found the dean’s number, and dialed.
“Hello.”
“This is Cody Jansen. I’m calling about my sister, Brooke Banks.” He never called Brooke his sister, but he’d use the family connection and whatever means necessary to get answers.
“Mr. Jansen, I’m so sorry. It’s terrible what happened. I assure you, we are doing everything possible to keep her safe and find the perpetrator.”
Confirmation that something terrible had happened to Brooke sent a shockwave of dread through his system. He pressed his palm to his desk to steady himself. “Is she all right? Why weren’t we notified that something happened?”
“She gave strict instructions when they admitted her to the hospital that no one was to call her family. I’m sorry. She’s an adult. My hands were tied.”
“What can you tell me about her condition? About the baby?”
“Well…I need to be sure you’re really who you say you are. We’ve had a lot of calls from reporters.”
“I know the baby didn’t make it.” He hoped that assured the dean that Cody was really who he said he was.
“They’ve kept that information in the strictest confidence. I’ve not seen Brooke, but have been told her injuries are quite extensive. Worse than any of the other victims. She fought for her life and that of her baby, but the man had a knife. I don’t know the exact details of her injuries because of the privacylaws. You’ll have to speak to her. She returned to campus just a few hours ago with her roommate. We have security outside her building. I’m sorry, but that’s all I know.”
“I’m on my way.” Cody hung up, pulled his keys from his pocket, and started for the door, passing Susanne and Kristi on his way. “Keep trying to call her. Tell her I’m on my way.” He thought about that, and then changed his mind. “On second thought, don’t tell her I’m coming. She might not like it. Call me as soon as you reach her. I need to know that you talked to her. I need to know that she’s okay.”
Susanne caught up to him, grabbed his shoulder, and pulled him around. “I’m coming with you.”
“No.” He couldn’t think past getting to Brooke. Right now. Ten minutes ago. Three days ago. Six months ago. He met Susanne’s gaze. “Ineed to do this. Please,” he begged, hoping if he got to Brooke first, he’d have a chance to salvage something, anything of their relationship.
If Susanne came along, Brooke would lean on her and probably shut Cody out. He wanted to be there for her, to share the pain of losingtheirchild. To help her in any way he could and pull her back to him and the love they shared. He wanted to prove to her that she hadn’t lost him or that love.
She needed him. He needed her more than ever.
“She’smydaughter.” Tears gently rolled down her cheeks.
He put his hand to her arm and squeezed. “I know.”
