Page 113 of Finding Wonderland

“Chase is going to be okay,” Isla finally said.

“She has to be. It will crush Mason otherwise.”

Hand in hand, they headed out to the Jeep and over to the hospital. Isla’s mind kept running wild, wondering what had happened. Chase was on the police force, but it wasn’t like shootings happened often in Moonflower Cove. In fact, Isla couldn’t even recall the last one they had. How could this have happened to sweet Chase? And was she okay? Isla wished she had answers.

Parking the Jeep, they ran into the waiting room to find Mason, Chase’s family, and several officers. Mason immediately ran to Vera, nearly collapsing in her arms as Isla hugged them both as tightly as she could.

“I can’t lose her,” Mason sobbed, and Vera slowly sank to the floor with her still in her arms. They were all on their knees as Mason sobbed into Vera’s shoulder. “She’s my best friend. She can’t die. I need her.”

“Shh, baby, I know.” Vera kissed her head. “I know.”

Isla rubbed Mason’s back, knowing that’s how she liked to be comforted. She knew Mason was in good hands with Vera—literally—so she looked at Vera and nodded. Vera nodded back, silently letting Isla know she had Mason. Standing, Isla hesitantly walked over to Chase’s family.

“Oh, Isla,” Linda Monroe pulled Isla into a hug. Isla didn’t dare pull away, not until Linda did.

“I’m so sorry, Linda.”

“She’s my baby.”

“I know.” Isla tried to keep from bursting into tears as she asked, “What happened?”

“It was a traffic stop,” one of the officers stepped in to answer as Isla crossed her arms over her chest. “Chase pulled him over, and as she approached the vehicle, he stepped out and shot her. Five fucking times.”

The officer—Officer Rosolowski, according to the name tag—took a moment to compose himself.

“I heard the mayday call on the radio and rushed there. When I got there, some passersby had stopped to help her. If they hadn’t,” his voice broke, and Isla put a hand on his shoulder, “I don’t know if she would have made it.”

Instinctively, Isla pulled the young officer into a hug. He was probably Mason and Chase’s age, and her heart went out to him. After the officer composed himself, he wiped a tear from his eyes and continued.

“She’s in surgery now. They don’t know how long it’s going to take. Her knee and hip are shattered, but they’re just trying to control the bleeding now.” He paused for a moment, seemingly unsure if he should continue. So Linda stepped in for him.

“One of the bullets grazed her uterus. They’re trying to save it, but…” Linda was overcome with emotions again as she turned to her husband, who hugged her.

Isla felt like she’d been punched in the stomach. How could this be happening to Chase, her family, and Mason?

Mason.

Excusing herself from the Monroes and the officers, Isla rejoined Mason and Vera.

“Let’s go to my office, okay?”

Mason nodded, allowing Isla and Vera to pull her to her feet. They each put an arm around her waist as they walked to the elevator and rode it up to Vera’s office. It was small, as it was only used when she was at the hospital for surgeries or births. But there was a couch, and they helped Mason sit on it as they flanked her on either side. Turning to Isla, Mason buried her face in her chest.

“She has to be okay, Mom. She has to.”

“I know, baby.”

Isla had no idea how long they were there. By the time a doctor found them, the sun was starting to rise. Mason had, thankfully, fallen asleep on Vera’s lap, but they woke her when the doctor came in along with Linda. They stood, waiting to hear the news.

“So, the good news is, Chase is alive.”

Mason sobbed at his words as Isla silently thanked God.

“But her injuries are extensive, and recovery isn’t going to be easy or fast. She has many, many more surgeries ahead of her and a long road of physical therapy to recovery.”

“But she’s alive,” Mason cried. “Can I see her?”

“She’s in a medically-induced coma right now to help her body heal.” The doctor looked at Linda, who nodded. “But as long as it’s okay with her family, I don’t have a problem with you seeing her now. Just,” he paused, gazing at Isla and Vera, “prepare yourselves.”

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