Page 15 of Wild Card (Men of Action #4)

“You could reverse all the progress. The original injury paired with the second need?—"

“Babe, I know what I’m doing.”

“You’re putting my sign-off on your release in jeopardy.”

“Not a chance.”

“Cocky!”

“Confident.”

“Can you at least pretend you’re not doing upper body?”

“Sure, I can pretend.”

“I’m hanging up before my head explodes.”

“Enjoy your lunch.” I disconnect and prepare for the examination.

“You sent the dog a stuffed unicorn?” Ford groans in disappointment. “I’d deny a date with you on principle.”

“Are you trying to date her or the dog?” Major goads. “Because it’s a damn shame if you’re wooing a canine.”

“Hardy-har-har. Fucking hilarious.”

“Listen, no shame in admitting it.”

My friends are enjoying this way too much. “I got this under control.”

“Yeah, that why you left the house in the middle of the night?”

I should have known Ford would see me coming and going. After what happened with Rowan, he’s locked into our security monitors.

A collective chuckle sounds from Ace and Major.

I can’t even disagree that he’s hit a nerve. Not long now and I won’t be leaving the house in the middle of the night to watch another man take Willow home.

Fucking countdown is on.

“That new?”

Abe eyes my wrist. “What?”

“That watch. Is it new?”

“No, why?”

“Because you’ve checked it a dozen times since you sat down. My guess is it’s new or you have a newfound fascination with time.”

“Smartass.”

“Hey, the alternative is you want to get away from me. Which absolutely wouldn’t be the case.”

“Have a few things to do this afternoon.”

“These things have to do with a certain brunette who isn’t at work?”

I don’t deny it but stay quiet, rotating my shoulder a few times at full range.

“Any pain today?”

“None.”

“You back at the gym?”

“If I say yes, are you going to delay my release?”

His lips curl as he shakes his head. “All your movements and reflexes are normal. I’ll sign off on the release.”

“Today?”

“Is that what you want?”

“Hell yeah.”

“Should we consult with Willow first?”

My first instinct is to say no. Because the moment he signs off, I’m no longer a patient, and Willow’s timeline is up. But how would that affect her?

He cocks an eyebrow, waiting for my response.

“What will happen to Willow’s assessment?”

“It’s actually her recommendation. She noted it last week.”

Sneaky woman. “She didn’t tell me.”

“She’s probably second-guessing herself. A few more sessions won’t hurt, but you are technically fit to be released.”

“Then let’s do it.”

He nods, making a note on his tablet. “For what it’s worth, she sounded awful when she called in this morning.”

That’s the first time he’s mentioned her calling out. The receptionist informed me I’d be with Abe today, but he didn’t offer any explanation.

“Yeah? That’s too bad. Hope she feels better soon.”

His eyes slice sideways. “That’s how you want to play this?”

“Play what?”

“He thinks I’m stupid and blind, too,” he utters to himself. “Guess that wasn’t you who she was texting on Friday? And that wasn’t you watching to make sure Lucas got her home safely? I mean, you saw me for months after your first injury and never ordered in lunch for the clinic.”

We’re in murky territory. There’s no telling exactly how much he knows.

“I don’t want Willow to get into trouble.”

“She’s not in any danger of losing her position.”

“What about her reputation?”

“Has she done anything professionally questionable?“

“Fuck no.”

“Willow’s work, dedication, and proficiency speak for themselves. As does her stubborn streak. But that’s out of my wheelhouse. You’re on your own with that. I said as much to her.”

“Her time is up.”

“Not sure it’s that easy. She’s tough.”

“There’s no fun in easy. No reward either.”

He chuckles. “I know that firsthand. Maddie reminds me every day.”

“When’s the wedding?”

“End of summer. You gonna make it?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.” I stand and offer my hand. “Thanks again.”

“I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

On my way out, I check the floor for Bex or Lucas with no luck.

My phone has no response from my text to Willow this morning.

I worked last night, and the last message she sent was around ten saying she was going to bed. No mention of feeling bad.

It crosses my mind that she may be laying low and taking a day off. But the thought flees quickly, knowing that’s not her style. The woman probably has never played hooky in her life.

Without another thought, I head to her house, calling once more with no answer.

Her car is in the drive and the blinds are slightly open. I knock lightly and listen for any sign of movement.

Nothing.

I shoot off a text that I’m outside and knock again.

Still nothing, not even a bark from Wolf.

Maybe she took him for a walk? That would mean she’s feeling better.

Hell, maybe she did truly take the day off?

But why wouldn’t she answer her phone?

Something doesn’t sit right, and I dial her number.

I hear the faint ringing, trailed by a barking in the distance.

Following the sound around the house, my reflexes go on alert when I see Willow’s back door open. Wolf runs back and forth, barking louder at the sight of me.

I jump the fence and catch him mid-air as he leaps. He’s still barking and blood covers his paw.

Adrenaline races through my system, years of training kicking in. There’s a gun in my truck, but taking the time to retrieve it is not an option.

We go through the door and I take in the room. A glass is shattered on the tile with bloody paw prints leading through the kitchen.

“Willow!”

There’s no answer, but Wolf cries when I carefully place him down to search the house. Nothing else seems out of place.

I spot her body crumpled in a ball on the floor.

“Willow!” I race to her, cradling her in my arms.

She doesn’t respond.

My chest seizes at the paleness of her skin and faintness of her pulse.

“Fuck, Willow..”

She’s burning up, the heat from her body seeping into me. Her small form begins to tremble, her lips part slightly, and a drop of blood trickles on her chin.

“Jesus, baby. What’s happened?”

Wolf whines, nudging my elbow.

“I’ve got her, buddy.” I stand, situating her to my chest, grateful for the little whimper that escapes.

When we get to my truck, Wolf is at my heels as I buckle her in. He looks at me anxiously.

“Up you go.” He lets me help him into the backseat.

I grab my phone and find the contact, peeling out of her driveway.

“Chase Richards,” he answers on the second ring.

“This is Talon. I have Willow in my truck unconscious and burning up with fever. Found her collapsed on the floor, non-responsive.”

“What the hell?” he interjects. “She said she had a bug.”

“It’s something a fuck of a lot more. Taking her to the emergency room.”

“Go to Vanderbilt. We have privileges. Dad and I will meet you there.”

“Wolf’s with me. He’s stepped on a piece of broken glass. Not sure of the damage but he’s cut.”

“Shit, I’ll try to get?—”

“I’ll take care of him. You have someone go over to your sister’s house to shut it down and clean up the mess.”

“I’ll call Bex now.”

“Appreciate it.”

I hang up and grab Willow’s hand, my thumb tracing over her wrist until it finds her pulse.

Slow but steady… each beat a little reassurance.

What the fuck happened to her?