Page 47 of The Hardest Hit

“Not really,” said one of the other guys. “Evan’s kind of a dick. I just thought I’d punch some Nazis.”

“He’s not a dick,” said Devonte.

“He takes up both of the damn handicap seats every fucking Monday,” argued the first guy.

“He’s saving them for Lucinda and her kids,” said Devonte. “Or hadn’t you noticed how he magically manages to move every single time right before she gets on?”

Aiden was staring at him. Evan felt himself blushing.

“Let’s all agree that everyone’s right,” said Evan. “What Aiden is saying is that theGet Out of Jail Freeanswer is that you were helping me.”

“I guess I can roll with that,” said the guy who thought he was a dick.

“You’re up to thirty-five thousand views,” said Jackson, coming in staring at his phone. “Of course, about twenty thousand of them are me. Seriously, I could watch you punch that guy all day. I already sent it to Dominique—she’s going to make a gif out of it for me. It does not stop being funny.”

“Jackson,” snapped Aiden, “that is not helping.”

“Punching Nazisisalways funny,” said Devonte.

“Mr. Miller, maybe we could not say that in front of police personnel?” Aiden was somehow managing to look as disapproving as Eleanor.

“OK, OK,” said Devonte, “Don’t get your panties in a bunch.”

“He’s right, though,” said Evan. He might have to put up with Deveraux disapproval, but he didn’t see why Devonte should. “What? Don’t give me that look. Itisalways funny.” Aiden glared at him but said nothing.

TheGet Out of Jail Freeanswers were stated, the formalities were completed and soon they were being handed their possessions.

“Same time tomorrow?” asked Devonte.

“Sure,” said Evan. “Why not?”

“No,” said Jackson, looking up from his phone. “Evan will be getting a ride for the next few days.”

Evan sighed but gave up. He was going to be lucky to get out of this with only having his train privileges revoked. “Next week,” he said, and Devonte shrugged.

Aiden walked them by the press with a sharp, “no comment,” and got them into a limo.

“Well,” said Jackson, settling back into the seat, “could be worse. At least we’ll be getting the anti-Nazi vote.”

Evan sighed and checked his phone. There were three messages and ten missed calls – all from Olivia.

Sofia called. Dad’s in the hospital. He had a heart attack.

Tried to call. Where are you? I’m flying out in an hour.

Call me when you get this. I’ll be on the plane for the next little bit and then at the hospital.

He looked up, Jackson was watching him.

“Fucking Nazis,” Evan said.

“Damn straight,” agreed Jackson.

18

Olivia – Hospital Stay

Olivia sat in the waiting room and said nothing. No one was speaking to her, so obviously there would be no reason for her to speak. Sofia was sitting facing away from her. Her grandfather was reading work stuff from a mountain of papers. Grams was knitting, because… sure, why not.