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“We’re taking her to Vandy.”
“Is she going to be okay?”
My heart hangs in the air, as if one word from this stranger will be a lifeline or the reason for my demise.
“It’s looking good, sir.” Her gaze narrows on me, and a spark of recognition hits there. She nods without saying anything.
“Freeman! Freeman!”
I spin in a circle until I find Davis running toward me. He takes in the scene with horror, watching as they transfer Raeann to a stretcher and wheel her away. “Joey put out the word…” His voice fades. He puts a hand on my shoulder. “Where are they taking her?”
“Vandy.”
“Her roommate?”
I shrug. “Did Joey find a vet?”
Davis crouches down. “I’ll get in touch with him. Listen, I’ll take care of Athena. You go be with Raeann.”
I shake my head, remembering vividly the conversation I had with Raeann about saving Athena. One that seems so poignant now. It goes against every fiber of my being, but Athena means so much to her. If she knew I’d abandoned her, she’d be furious.
“I will treat this dog like my own kid. I promise you.” He shakes my shoulder, and I finally look up at him. His gaze is pleading. “I promise.”
Another voice breaks through the chaos. “Freeman!”
I peer up to find Farmer and his girlfriend weaving through the bedlam.
Davis points at me. “Get him to the hospital. Vandy.”
Athena whimpers, and I lay my head on hers. “I’m going to make sure she’s okay. Okay? You’re such a good girl. She’ll want to know that you’re fine.”
“If anything changes with her condition,” I start to warn Davis.
“Updates every ten minutes.”
“And if you hear anything about Tab?—.”
“I’m on it,” Davis states.
Cade pushes me through the crowd toward his vehicle. I can still remember the glee in his eyes when he bought it. Right now, it’s all business as he steps on the gas. He and Charley hold hands in the front seats, and I stare where they connect. Right now, I don’t have that other half of me. The yang to my soul. My reason for being here.
I take out my phone and press on Pawpaw’s number. He answers the phone, “Y-ello?”
“Pawpaw, it’s Micah Freeman.” I clear my throat when it catches. “Raeann…” I cut myself off again, emotion welling up. I dribble my fingers over my knees. This is so fucking hard. I feel like I’m going to detonate at any moment. “There was a fire ather apartment. She’s being taken by ambulance to the hospital right now.”
The line goes mute.
“Pawpaw?”
“Yeah, I’m here.”
“I’m going to send you that plane again. Can Granny make it this time?”
He’s silent for a beat before he asks, “How bad is it, boy?”
“She’s unconscious. I don’t—I don’t really know, but I’ll call you as soon as I find out. I’m on my way to the hospital now, so hopefully I’ll have answers soon.”
Waiting for him to answer is excruciating. I’m about ready to ask if he’s there again when he says, “Raeann’s a fighter.”