“I’m sorry, Suzie,” Charlie said.
“Don’t be silly.Give me progress reports via email or text.You mightn’t be able to contact me while I’m on the flight, but I’ll call you before I board the plane.”
“Thanks, Suzie.”An audible swallow sounded.“We’re scared.”
“Where’s Gran?”Suzie asked.
“She’s gone on holiday to Wellington with Grandpa.”
Ah.Well, she couldn’t blame her grandparents.They’d been discussing their holiday for months and had saved to stay at a spa hotel.
“What does Gavin say?”Gavin was the shifter community doctor.If the accident had been local, Gavin would’ve treated her parents.
“He says they’ll be okay.They’re banged up, and Mum will wake soon.The truck hit on the passenger side, but Mum will be okay because she is a shifter.”
Okay.Despite the good news, her desire to go home remained.“Who is staying with you?”
“No one.”
Anger burned away her fear.Had anyone considered her siblings?They shouldn’t be alone.
“Someone is here,” Charlie said, his voice squeaking with alarm.“Should I answer the door?”
Suzie closed her eyes.“Approach the door and sniff to identify the person outside.I’ll be here while you check.”
“Okay,” Charlie said.
When she heard his feet stomping on the floor, she couldn’t help but smile.Despite his feline nature, Charlie was a typical boy who went nowhere quietly unless he was in his leopard form.
“It’s Mr.Saber,” Charlie said.“Should I let him inside?”
The release of tension had her knees quivering, and she sank onto the edge of the mattress.“Yes, ask him if I can speak to him.”
The door creaked, and a sweet ache pierced her heart as she thought of a breakfast table discussion before she left for Scotland.Her mother had been after her dad to oil the hinges.That obviously hadn’t happened yet.
“Suzie,” came the familiar voice.
“Saber, have you heard how Mum and Dad are?”
“I’ve come from Gavin’s surgery.Your mum has regained consciousness, but she has a dislocated shoulder and a broken leg.Your father has bruising around his chest from the seat belt.They’re confused, but Gavin says they’ll recover.”
“Thank goodness.I’ll get a flight home as soon as I can.”
“London and I talked and thought you’d want to do that.London has arranged a flight home for you.Just show up at the airport.She’s emailing the details to you.I told her I’d call you.”
“Thank you, Saber.”
“No problem,” Saber said in his easy way.“Since your grandparents are away, I’ll stay with your brother and sisters tonight.If Gavin wants to keep your mother in for another day, London and I will handle your siblings.”
“Thanks.I appreciate it.”
“Not a problem.”Saber laughed.“My daughters are hosting two friends for a sleepover.It is more peaceful in your house.”
“I wouldn’t count on it,” Suzie said, knowing that Saber loved his twin girls and would do anything for his family.
“I’ll see you soon.Sorry you’re cutting your holiday short.If you need anything, contact London or me, okay?”
“I will.Thanks again.”Suzie hung up and blinked hard.Her parents would be okay, and Saber was with her siblings.She brushed the moistness from her eyes and stood.The majority of her possessions were still in the room she’d used for the gathering.She hurriedly grabbed her clothes and started dressing.
