Page 137 of Fought and Freed

Maddy sat back down, and the second the door closed, she folded in on herself and sobbed.

Jace wrapped his arm around her as Cody stood and moved behind her, engulfing her in a hug.

Jace’s soothing voice washed over her. “I’m so sorry it turned out this way, baby girl. We hoped for a better outcome.”

As she gripped his shirt as her tears fell, the nurse snuck in, set the bag with Grant’s belongings on the table, and left.

“This is so unfair,” Maddy cried.

“It is, baby girl, and we’re sorry that you have to go through this.” Jace hugged her tighter. “I wish there was a way for us to take away this pain for you.”

She sniffled, released Jace’s shirt, then stared at the large wet spot she’d left on the front. “I’m sorry, I got your shirt wet.”

He ran his hand down the side of her hair. “Don’t worry about that, baby girl.”

Ryder walked around to the other side of the table and opened the bag. “Let’s see what we can find out.”

He reached into the bag and pulled out Grant’s clothes. The shirt he had on when he was brought to the hospital was covered in rips, and she also spied dried blood.

Ryder set that aside and withdrew Grant’s jeans. Turning them around, he dipped his hand into the back pocket and pulled out a wallet, which he handed to Maddy.

She took in a deep breath and opened it. His ID still looked new from replacing it after he was jumped, and she searched the front for the symbol that meant he was an organ donor.

“He’s a donor.” She wasn’t sure why, but relief swept through her that he was.

“Now, he can help other people.” Ryder put into words what she could not. “In a way, he’ll still be alive.”

Tears threatened to fall again. “I think Grant would like that.”

Cody headed for the door. “I’ll go tell the nurse.”

Maddy continued to search through Grant’s wallet and pulled out a picture of a younger Grant with a girl standing beside him. She looked just like Grant, but with long brown hair.

This must be Kelly. She looked to be around six or seven at the time.

Jace looked at the photo beside her. “Is that his sister?”

“I think so.” Maddy ran a finger over the picture. “They look alike.”

Cody returned to the room with a sad expression on his face. “They said it’s time. They’ll give you a few minutes with him, but only one of us can go back with you.”

“I want to be there for you, but I won’t be good in this situation,” Skylar said, looking pained. “I think you should take Ryder or Jace.”

“Thanks, brother. You don’t think I can be there for our girl?” Cody scolded.

“You can, but…” Skylar shrugged. “I’m not sure how to explain it.”

“I understand what you’re saying, and thank you for your honesty.” Maddy held out her hand to Ryder. “Will you come with me?”

“Of course, Silk.” He laced his fingers through hers.

She stood, and with her hand intertwined with Ryder’s, they headed to Grant’s room for the last time.

32

MADDY

As they entered Grant’s room, Maddy sucked in a breath.

---