“Fuck yeah!” he huffs, and checks for police behind us.
I grip the steering wheel and take a sharp corner.
What have I done?
Chapter 31
Morgan
The hospital television is silent, but the images of last night are deafening, stealing all my attention. A helicopter’s spotlight illuminates a car. Flashing red and blue lights atop patrol cars create a strobe effect that pierces the darkness. A man, Jack, is chest down on the pavement being handcuffed after an intense police chase.
Last night is burned into my brain forever.
This.
My nightmare on the news for the world to see.
“Psst,” whispers Ingrid.
My gaze snaps away, glossing over Gabe in the hospital bed. For a moment, I catch Daddy talking to our head of public relations, Paul, a short man with big ears.
I didn’t notice they were here.
I meet Ingrid’s eyes. She gestures to follow her outside of the room. I slink into the hallway. She leans against the wall as nurses and gurneys pass by.
“This is my fault,” she says, her voice small.
I shake my head violently. “It isn’t. I should have told you about Gabe. I should have stayed away from Jack.”
Just saying his name causes tears to roll down my cheeks.
“He’s in jail because of me. He saw it in my eyes. He knew I didn’t want Gabe touching me.” I choke back a sob. “Gabe would’ve made me sleep with him last night. He was blackmailing me.”
“I know, I know,” she coos. “Don’t cry, babes. Your dad will fix this.”
“Not for Jack. He’ll just make it look like Gabe was attacked by a jealous fan.”
“That’s exactly what we’ll do,” rumbles Dad’s deep voice.
We spin to face him.
“I warned you about the Killbornes. I did everything to protect us, but you wouldn’t stay away from that boy.” He shakes his head. “Now look at the mess you created.”
I hold myself, my chin trembling.
Paul appears beside him. “This is the plan. We will release a statement explaining the brothers have been stalking you. Jack attacked Gabe in a jealous rage.”
“No! It will destroy his nonprofit,” I challenge. “Do you want those special people to be without that resource?”
Daddy strokes his jawline, musing. “We’ll offer to take it over. Run it as part of our community works.”
“Yes, that’s a great idea!” gushes Paul.
Dad nods. “I’ll make it happen.” He makes a phone call and they disperse.
I wipe away a tear I’ve been holding back.
Ingrid rubs my shoulder.
