“I think they took her to the hospital.”
Noble’s eyebrows furrowed, instantly. “Fuck you mean you think?”
“I couldn’t stay ‘cause a nigga had warrants. I waited in the lot across the street and saw them putting her into an ambulance. Her hand was bleeding when I checked on her.”
Noble got in the truck without saying another word. Knowing Irish had gotten hurt incited an anger that he could barely contain. The entire city would pay for her being shot at. He didn’t give a fuck who it was. St. Parklynn would see red until further notice.
Cali rushed down the hall, following the nurse with Bria right behind her. The emergency room was packed with the sickly but when she asked for Irish, she was instantly taken to the back. The curtain was pulled back, exposing Irish, who sat in the bed. Her eyes held so much pain that Cali’s eyes watered without warning.
“Oh, friend.” She rushed toward her. “Are you okay?”
Irish shook her head, looking down at her hand that was stitched up.
“He’s gone,” she whispered, shaking her head. “They killed him in front of me.”
Bria approached the other side of Irish, resting her hand on her shoulder. “Did you see who it was?”
Irish shook her head once more as tears painted her reddened cheeks. “I don't know who it was. They tried to kill me, too. I ran and was so scared.” She looked at Cali. “Can you call Noble? I need him right now.”
“Yeah, I’ll call him for you.”
Cali pulled her phone out of her pocket and stepped into the hall. Searching her contacts for Noble’s number, she heard heavy footsteps echoing through the hallway. When she looked up, she noticed Noble along with Wilde, Zayd, and Nuke on the side of him.
“Hey, I was just about to call you.”
Noble’s jaw was clenched tightly.
“She’s in here.”
Noble entered the room. He and Irish locked eyes, and she immediately broke out in tears.
“It’s okay,” he assured, hugging her tightly. “I’m here.”
“They tried to kill me,” she sobbed, making Cali’s tears fall.
Seeing her friend in pain was so gut wrenching that Cali clutched her belly. Irish had always been the strong one who held everyone down when they needed it. Witnessing her be so emotionally wounded was a scene Cali wished she didn’t have to be a part of.
“Listen.” Noble held her face in his hands. “I’m going to take care of everything. Don't worry.”
“What if they come back for me?” she asked.
“They won’t, I swear I’ma handle this shit… I’m sorry about Jovanis,” he sincerely said. “I know how much he meant to you.”
That caused Irish to cry harder as Noble pulled her to his chest. Bria walked over to Cali, who stood near the curtain.
“This is so sad. Was Jovanis her husband?” Bria quietly asked.
Cali nodded, clasping her hands near her mouth. So much despair in one night. How would Irish move on without Jovanis? How would she cope with a loss that significant? Cali knew it would take time but she was fearful of how long Irish would be submerged in grief.
“Were you with her?” Wilde asked Cali.
Shaking her head, she confirmed, “No, I was at a beach party. I found out what happened through Rio.”
Saying his name brought forth memories of him kissing Rozalin. Cali quickly nixed that reality for the sake of Irish.
“Damn, I can’t believe somebody caught Van slippin’ like that,” Wilde complained. “You think it was bro?” he asked Zayd in a low tone.
Zayd smacked his lips. “Man, hell nah. He wouldn’t do that shit in front of her,” he referred to Irish.
