Page 46

Chuckling, Nash took the offered hand and gripped it as Lew swallowed his emotional breakdown.

Thinking to tease the joker out of the spell, he joshed, “Hell, man, who says you’d land upstairs with the Big Guy and not in the burning cauldron below.”

Smirking, Lew answered, his voice ringing with smiles. “Other than stealing a few candy bars as a kid, smoking some weed, and using the Lord’s name in vain, I’ve been a goddamn angel. Besides, someone’s gotta be up there to greet you and your mom when you arrive, right?”

Full out laughing now, Nash grunted his agreement as Maria came in bearing sustenance.

As soon as he could leave, Nash headed back to find Carly waiting anxiously for him. “Sorry to be so long. Ma and Lew were happy to see me and needed to recharge. They had a lot to say.”

“I supposed. I’m glad Lew is better. He’s always been a good guy to me and my brother. We like going to the store and hanging with him.”

“The way he’s healing, he’ll be back soon. Are you ready to go and see Beth. They gave me her room number. She’s right down the hall from Lew.”

A few minutes later, holding tightly to his hand Carly led him from the elevator, stalling until he’d checked the corridor before they moved. They headed a ways down the hall, looking at the numbers on the doors until they came to a place where there were two beds to a room.

Seeing the closest bed empty, they moved in further to check behind the closed curtain. Against the far wall, they saw a small figure lying in the bed, staring out the window. Immediately, Nash sensed her isolation, the solitary aura of a person alone in the world. His heart went out to the tiny person with such a huge load to carry.

Not so, Carly. As soon as she saw Beth, she squealed and flung herself toward the girl, landing on the bed and gripping tightly to the arms waiting to hold her.

“Carly. You’re okay. Thank God. Hattie? Is she okay too?”

“Yes, yes. We’re both fine. Well, they say Mom is kinda messed up, but she’ll get better soon. My dad and brother are with her now.”

Tears, raging a war on Beth’s face, smeared everywhere until she reached for the tissue box and grabbed a handful to use on herself. Nash watched as she tenderly wiped Carly’s face too. “I prayed. All night. I prayed so hard that he didn’t hurt you. How did you get away?”

“It’s a long story.”

“Will you tell me?”

“Maybe. I guess. It’s horrible.”

“I’m not surprised, but I’ll understand.”

“Okay.” Carly turned to see Nash begin texting, trying to get updates from Chuck.

“Nash, you can go. I’ll stay here with Beth. I’m fine now. I promise. We’ll be safe. You need to go.”

Nash stepped in front of her, pulled her to stand so he could see into her eyes. Her sincerity made his spirit lift. Then he looked at Beth. “Honey, I’ve heard so much about you… all good. You feel okay with Carly staying with you?”

The girl’s smile brightened the whole room. “Yes. We have a lot to talk about. We’ll be fine.”

“Right. Okay. I’ll keep in touch. But until you hear from me, neither of you are allowed to leave the hospital, or this floor. I’ll text my mom, Maria to come and check on you. You know her, right Carly?”

“Of course. She’s with Lew at the store all the time.”

“Good. If you need anything at all, she’s in Room 412 with Lew. Call her, and she’ll get you food or whatever you want.”

“Okay. We’re good. Hanna needs you and so does Ana. Go. And Nash, thanks.”

“Be safe, ya hear?”

After both girls nodded, Nash headed out the door, his phone against his ear while he told his mother about Carly maybe calling on her to get them things from the cafeteria. Then he called Ana, thrilled at hearing her voice.

“Hey girl, how’re things where you are?”

“Smoky.”

Chapter Thirty-four