Page 31 of From the Start

I shake my head. Who has time for friends when you’re operating a business and caring for your father? Not me.

“Do you want me to stay with you? My shift is almost over.”

I wave him away. “I’ll be fine. This isn’t my first rodeo.”

He frowns. “If you’re sure.”

I force a smile. “Thanks for your help getting him here. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

“You would have figured it out.”

True. I always do.

He squeezes my hand before making his way across the waiting room to the exit. Once he’s gone, I collapse in a chair and bury my face in my hands.

What am I going to do? I can’t live without Dad. I can’t lose another parent. He’s all I have.

Chapter 10

“Sexy distraction needed? I’m on my way.” ~ Kai

Kai

My phone rings and I frown at the caller ID –Smuggler’s Hideaway Police Station.

“I didn’t do it and I was with my brothers the entire time,” I answer the phone.

“It’s Lucas.”

“Officer Fellows, how can I assist you today?” I don’t bother pretending I don’t know who Lucas is. It would be a lie and, while I’m a proficient liar, lying to the police never works out.

“Harper’s at the emergency room.”

My stomach drops and my heart clenches. “What? What happened? Is she okay? Of course, she’s not okay. She’s at the hospital.”

“Calm down, Raider. She’s fine. Her dad fell.”

I blow out a breath. “Okay. Good. Well, not good. How’s her dad?”

“Unknown.”

“Shit. Should I go? Never mind. I’m going.” I jump to my feet, grab my keys, and rush for the door.

“Don’t make me regret phoning you, Raider.”

“You won’t.”

Thankfully, the hospital isn’t far from the distillery. I make it there in less than five minutes. I rush inside and scan the room for Harper. She’s sitting in the corner with her face in her hands. No.

I sit next to her. “Hey, Harper.”

She whips her head up. “What are you doing here?”

“I heard you were here and was worried.”

“This town,” she mutters before raising her voice. “I’m fine. Go home.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”