Page 71 of Vain

She whimpers, reaching out to grab my arm. “Don’t leave me.”

“Never,” I promise as the paramedics move her onto a backboard before lifting her.

“Sir—” one of the officers starts, but I follow the paramedics back to the ambulance, my hand wrapped around Tilly’s. “I’m going to the hospital with my girl. You can either meet me there or wait until I’m done.” I keep walking, daring them to stop me.

“Sir, we’re not supposed to let you ride with us,” the younger of the two paramedics says, but Tilly starts freaking out.

“I’m not leaving you, Tilly. I’m right here.” I squeeze her hand before glaring at the idiot.

“She’s hurt, scared, and has someone after her. Not to mention the last time she was in the hospital, it was a long and grueling stay. I’m not leaving her.”

“Just stay out of the way.” The older one jumps in, sending a look to the other guy before he can say anything to piss me off. “I’d rather have him here than have to sedate her with a head injury. If she becomes combative, we’d have no choice, or we’d risk her hurting herself further,” he explains. Between them, they maneuver the gurney onto the back of the ambulance. I climb in and keep out of the way just like he asked, but I do not let go of her hand for a second. I told her I wasn’t letting go, and I meant it.

I talk quietly to her, to keep her calm and focused on me while the lead paramedic runs a series of checks. By the time we get to the hospital, she’s passed out again. Still, I stay with her until the doctors take her down for a CT scan, leaving me in the waiting room with a headache and a growing need to find the person who did this and rip them apart with my bare hands.

My cell starts ringing so I pull it out and hear Banner cursing down the phone at me. “You motherfucker, I was worried sick?—”

“We’re at the hospital. Matilda’s gone for a CT scan.”

He sucks in a harsh breath. “Is she okay?”

“I don’t know. She took a smack to the head. I’m waiting for the doctor to come out and talk to me.”

“Which hospital are you at?”

I tell him the name before standing up and pacing.

“Look, shit kinda hit the fan here so I don’t have bodies to send you.”

“I’m not asking you to.”

“I’m not fucking leaving you out there without backup. Just give me a minute.” His voice becomes muffled, as if he’s talking to someone else before he returns.

“Arlo knows someone who might be able to help out for a little while. He’s gonna give them a call. They’re in the area anyway for some kind of event.”

“Who?”

“No fucking clue, but you know Arlo. The guy knows fucking everyone.”

“Alright. Call me back if you find anything that will help me find this motherfucker.” I hang up and lean my head against the wall, letting my eyes drift closed.

“Sir, are you okay?”

I open my eyes, squinting in the harsh light.

“I’m okay. Just waiting for news on my fiancée,” I murmur, my eyes already drifting shut.

“Sir.” With a sigh, I open my eyes and stare at the nurse. Before I can tell her to go away, she crosses her arms over her chest and scowls, daring me to say something.

“I’m sure your fiancée is just as worried about you, so while you’re waiting, how about I clean you up? You have a nasty gash on your forehead that looks like it needs a few stitches.”

As much as I want to blow her off, I know Tilly will only worry if she has to keep seeing me in this state.

“Okay, but I don’t want to go too far. My fiancée is getting a CT. I want to be here when she comes out.”

She turns around and yanks open a curtained cubicle, indicating that I should step inside, like a game show assistant showing me what kind of prize I could win. Despite everything, my lips twitch in response.

“Hop on up on the table. I’ll be right back.”