Page 76 of Hook Up

“I’m good, thanks.” The chair legs scrape against the floor as Colton plops down by my bedside. “How are you feeling?”

“Blind as a fucking bat.”

“Greer said they’re considering upping your medication to see if there’s any effect. I like her, Ryder. Hold on to her.”

“I’m trying,” I mutter, my mind focused on my earlier conversation with Greer. It’s so tricky to distinguish emotions when I’ve always relied on visual cues. “She’s been distant since the accident. Likely rethinking her decision to marry me.”

“That’s a load of bullshit. Greer isn’t the type to cut and run. I can see it in her face. She’ll roll up her sleeves and get down in the mud with you.”

Despite Colton’s reassurances, I’m not so certain. Greer is highly affectionate, as evidenced by our ridiculous displays of loved-up PDA in Barbados, but since her arrival in Charlotte, she’s held me at arm’s length.

Stop with the paranoia, Ryder. She’s here, and that’s all that matters.

Time to change the topic. Besides, I have questions, and Colton may have the answers I seek. “Any leads in the investigation? Do we know what the fuck happened out there?”

The silence rings out like a church bell, save for the tapping of Colton’s foot against the linoleum. I know the man well enough to pick up on the agitation. “Man, I don’t want to have this conversation. Greer asked me to wait—”

“What?” I interrupt, sitting up in the bed. “What the hell are you talking about? What do you know? What does Greer know?”

The chair grates against the floor, and I can tell by the change in volume that Colton is now pacing the room. Wonderful.

“Colton, don’t you dare hide information from me. This is my career on the line. My life.”

“Shit,” Colton swears, falling down into the chair again. “I suspended the pit crew.”

What the hell? The hair on the back of my neck stands on end as I mutter one word. “Why?”

“It seems certain members of the pit crew decided it would be a good idea to go out partying the night before the race. A few of them tested positive for cocaine and alcohol. They all swore it wasn’t a factor, and they were on their game, but I don’t give a crap what excuses they have, considering my star driver is now blind because of an accident on their watch.”

I grab my head with my hands, trying to make sense of the situation. Why the hell would they do this? Why take this chance? Why risk my life? “Was Greg with them?”

“He was, although he tested clean.”

“Doesn’t matter. He broke the damn rules and risked my life in the process.”

“Greg says he was there to usher everyone back to their rooms. Claims he gave them all hell, but as the new guy, they weren’t listening to him. I’m sorry, Ryder. Greer wanted me to wait to tell you because she worried the stress would make your condition worse.”

My blood boils in my veins as the situation becomes clear. I might be a blind bastard, but I’m not a dumb one. Even I can see what’s happening here. “You fired everyone?”

“They’re suspended, but they know they won’t be asked back. I also let them know that there’s a good chance of a lawsuit.”

“Good. Make sure their lives are as fucked as mine,” I seethe, jerking my arm away when Colton squeezes my shoulder. “And as for mywife,” I spit out the words, “you can send her back in. I want to speak to her. Alone.”

“Don’t be angry at Greer. She was only trying to protect you.”

“Not hardly. She’s protecting Greg. Do me a favor? Open that drawer and take out the jewelry box.”

Colton clears his throat but obliges my request. “Is this her ring?”

With a final lock, my emotional wall cements. “Not anymore. Hold on to that until I can sell it. Please send Greer in.”

“Ryder, I know you’re mad, but—”

“Send. Her. In.”

“I love you, man. You know that, right? Greer loves you, too.” Another squeeze of my shoulder, a show of brotherly camaraderie, but I say nothing.

I’m saving my energy and my anger for my wife.

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