Page 23 of Lost in Life

I don’t know why I’m surprised. I could tell something was up when the detective started talking to us. West’s face paled and he looked like he was about to be sick. I was hoping that my touch would be enough of a comfort, but it was a futile hope.

Letting out a heavy breath, I tuck away the card and walk into Hollis’ room. The sound of monitors beeping reaches me first. Sending me back to the last time I was in a room similar to this one.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

The rhythmic sound fills the chilly room.

Mona had been complaining of some minor chest pain and difficulty breathing the last few weeks. A cough lingered after a really bad cold several months back and it all just kept getting worse. My mom finally convinced her to get checked out after finding Mona doubled over in pain over the sink one night after dinner.

That’s what led us to being here. Listening to a doctor say things that sounded like a bad hospital melodrama.

“Mrs. Layton.”

“Ms.” Cough. “Please,” Cough. “Please call me Ms. Layton.” Mona chokes out between painful coughs.

“My apologies. Ms. Layton, I’m afraid your test results came back with some bad news.” The doctor pulls up a few images on the tablet held in his hand. “You see these right here?” He hovers over the blurry picture, pointing at a blob that looks just as out of place as everything else on the screen.

Mona nods, clutching the hospital blanket closer to her chest.

Closing the tablet, the physician looks at Mona with an expression that sends a shiver down my spine. “I’m afraid those are tumors, Ms. Layton.”

“T-tumors?” Mona stammers, looking at each of us before returning her attention back to the doctor. “Does that mean I have cancer?” Her voice breaks on the last word.

He nods sadly. “Yes, I’m afraid so. I wish I had better news, but from your tests, it appears you have Stage 3 Mesothelioma.”

I blink rapidly, trying and failing to keep back the tears.

Just like that day, I feel so helpless. A bystander witnessing someone I love slip away from me.

Sitting down on a small chair next to Hollis’ hospital bed, I gently clasp his hand.

“I’m going to find who did this to you, Hol.” I vow, a sorrowful rage burning inside of me. “I’m going to find them. And I’m going to kill them.”

Chapter 12

West

“Fuck!” I shout, swiping my arm across the counter and watching as shit flies everywhere.

My body shakes with the guilt and fear coursing through me.

I leftagain. I just keep leaving.

Sinking to the floor of my apartment, I spear my fingers through my hair, gripping at the roots and tugging. The sting of pain is less than I deserve for my continued betrayal.

I’ve got to make this up to them…Somehow.

An idea pops in my head. Areallyterrible idea.

Releasing my head, I look up and catch sight of the gift on my dresser. My heart clenches, and I know in this moment that I’ll do it. For them.

“Oh hey, jailbait.” Rex snickers, beckoning me over.

The hairs on the back of my neck stand up as I make my way across the crowded club.

This is a bad idea.

Coming to a stop next to the booth, I wait for him to indicate for me to have a seat before clambering onto the leather cushion.

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