Page 65 of Timeless: Encore

Just when I think I’ve never felt lower, I see the EMTs carrying Carter out the back on a stretcher. Zane’s running behind them, wailing the identical cry as he did at six when his dad overdosed at the park. It feels like all the air is sucked out of my body and I’m floating above this entire scene, watching this melee from the sky.

It’s hard to comprehend how much time passes. I feel like a ghost. I watch Carter get loaded into the ambulance. Zane jumps in the back with him, not even a glance around to look for me. A couple of officers shove Ty, who is handcuffed, into. a police car. Jace and Connor stand on the loading dock looking shell-shocked, with Ronni and Alex at their sides.

Ah. LTZ drama. On Gus’s opening night. Fan-fucking-tastic timing.

Funny, suddenly I don’t feel a thing. I’m numb. “I’m going back to the restaurant,” I say to no one in particular and walk around the building and back to Gus. On the way, I call my PR team and tell them to cancel the critics.

It’s peaceful inside my beautiful business. I look around. Dinner service is ready to go. We were planning to serve our summer tasting menu tonight, of course, but we also prepared a beautiful meal for the entire staff, crew, and the bands.

A wasted effort.

I sink into one of the plush couches. Look around at this opulent place. Jesus. Who the hell do I think I am? I laugh maniacally. Then, I can’t stop. I’m laughing so hard, I’m shaking. I nearly lose control of my limbs. My stomach muscles ache. I can hardly breathe. Doesn’t matter. There’s nothing I can do.

Emilie tentatively approaches me. Daire is behind her, followed by Justice, Petra, and Wolf. They all look so concerned. So worried. So …

Jesus, I burst into another uncontrollable fit of giggles. My entire staff stares at me while I lose my mind. None of them know what’s going on and why I’m behaving this way until I explain what’s happening in between bouts of laughter.

Finally, Wolf boldly makes a move to sit next to me. He wraps his arms around my shoulders.

His simple gesture unleashes my anger. Rage. Sorrow. Agony. Fear. My laughter turns into horrible, wracking cries of agony. I’m having a mental breakdown in front of my employees. If I didn’t think Gus was ruined before, I sure as hell know my professional dreams are dead now.

And Zane. Oh God, Zane. Tears stream down my face. How did I let Zane just go like that? I’m a horrible, horrible, undeserving asshole. My entire body shakes uncontrollably.

I’ve got to get to him.

“Hey.” Wolf holds me tightly against him. “We’re all here, Fee. It will all be okay.”

I shake my head. “I’m so sorry, everyone. I don’t even know what to say. I…I’ve…I’ve let you down.” I can barely form a sentence.

“This was out of your control, Fiona.” Daire crouches down next to me. “Don’t stress, we can figure all of this out.”

I take a deep breath. Regain an ounce of composure. Wipe my tears. “We need to clean up. Pack up. All the things. If I could just get a few minutes…”

“We’re on it.” Justice waves the staff back to the kitchen. “We’ll be in the back if you need anything. What should we do with the food?”

“Plate it up. You guys can eat it. We can feed the crew next door. I’ll figure it out in a bit.” I wave him off and pull out my phone to call Zane.

I plunk down on the couch in the foyer and see my Zaney’s already texted me.

Zane: Fee, I’m at the hospital. Carter had a heart attack.

Zane:Baby, i need you call me.

I dial Zane’s number. No answer. I try a couple of times before he answers.

“Fee.” Zane is clearly in tatters. His voice is ragged. Hoarse. “It’s a disaster. Carter’s in ICU. He’ll make it, but he’ssomessed up.”

Holy shit. “What?” It’s all I can muster.

“Ty found out he inherited a bunch of money from his mother’s family. The executor had his paternity test. Ty asked to talk to me and Carter after sound check, he opened the results...” Zane chokes back a sob. “Fee, Carter is Ty’s biological dad. He fucked a teenager when he was dating my mom. Ty’s my…brother.”

I just can’t. It’s too much. What the actual fuck. “Okay…”

“It was such a perfect night. Why? Why did this happen?” Zane’s voice is so tiny. I want to be there for him. I do. All my reserves are used up, though.

I take a deep breath. “I’m closing Gus, Zane. The night is ruined. I can’t do this again.”

“No, Fee.” His voice is strong. “We’ll be okay.”

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