Page 47

Stay focused, Justice.

I looked toward the hallway as Rita called out, asking why Dream was crying.

“I'm calling your uncle,” I told Storie. “He'll come sit with y'all.”

She nodded.

I got Prime on speaker while Storie went to tell Rita what happened.

“What's up?” he answered.

“Dream fell down the deck steps. I'm taking her to the hospital. I need you at the house with Storie and Grandma.”

“Damn. She all right?”

“Her arm's broken.”

“I'm on my way. Let me know what they say.”

“Got you.”

I ended the call and headed for the garage.

Storie followed us out, holding the door while I got Dream settled in the car. I kept the towel beneath her arm so she didn't have to hold it up herself.

“Daddy, don't touch it.”

“I'm being careful. I just gotta get you buckled.”

She squeezed her eyes shut while I finished.

I looked at Storie over the roof of the car.

“Stay inside with Grandma. Prime's coming.”

“Okay. Can you call me when she's okay?”

“I will.”

I got behind the wheel and backed out.

Every bump in the road had me checking Dream in the mirror. She cried most of the ride. When she got quiet, I asked if she was still with me.

“Yes,” she whimpered.

I couldn't do a fucking thing for her arm while I was driving. I kept both hands on the wheel and watched the road.

At the hospital, I carried her through the emergency entrance.

“My daughter fell down some steps. Her arm's broken,” I announced to the woman at the desk.

She looked at Dream and called for a nurse.

The questions started while somebody brought a wheelchair. I gave them her name and age, then repeated what Storie had told me about the fall.

Dream tightened her hand around my collar when I tried to set her down.

“I'm coming with you,” I told her.