Page 69 of Guarded from Danger

I knew it hadn’t. She was just healing. Her mind needed to focus on other things.

“I think that’s a great idea.” Lacing my fingers between hers, I give her hand a gentle squeeze. “I knew you could do it.”

“I’m not sure if it’s a good idea,” she amends. “It might be terrible. But still… I want to get it down. Give it a try.”

“Do you want me to stay here? Not to bother you, but just, you know, for support?”

Though I didn’t come right out and say it, Lucy knows what I’m thinking. “I’ll be okay, Xavier. And I won’t try doing laundry until you’re back.”

“I didn’t mean that.” Much. Rationally, I know Lucy’s much better than she was back then. And we have those nightlights everywhere. Plus, she’s wearing a pair of earrings with trackers in them—I made sure she had those right after the flashback, just in case. So if she does have another flashback, I’ll be able to find her right away.

“It’s okay.” She grabs a mug and fills it with coffee, then hands it to me. “I don’t mind that you’re worried. I understand. But I feel good. Like things are really going to be okay.”

We’re just sitting down at the kitchen island with our coffee when we’re interrupted again. This time it’s Lucy’s phone, and as she reaches for it, she brightens. “Oh. It’s my mom. I can give her the good news.”

“Right. I was talking to Dante about that. I think it’s safe for them to come home.”

Lucy beams at me. “I can’t wait. My mom keeps asking when you’re coming over for dinner, and my dad thinks you’re just amazing. He wants to come see Blade and Arrow, too. If it’s okay to show him around?”

“Absolutely. He can come any time.” Just as Lucy’s about to answer, I quickly add, “Tell your mom I said hi.”

“I will.” She grins as she taps the screen, her voice light as she says, “Hi, Mom. How are you?”

She’s quiet as she listens, her forehead creasing in confusion. Then she asks, “You’re back home? But you’re supposed to be in Paris?—”

Another pause.

“What?” A second later, all the color drains from her face.

I jump off my stool and stand next to Lucy, wrapping my arm around her waist. Through the phone, I can hear the faint sound of a woman speaking, but I can’t tell what she’s saying.

“But—” Lucy’s voice pitches up. “Why didn’t you tell me? How long?—”

Shit. This can’t be good.

Lucy’s fingers tighten around the phone, her knuckles going white. “Of course I’m coming. I’ll be there—” She stops. Listens. And then, “As soon as I can. Today.”

Her parents are back? Why? I know Lucy hasn’t told them it’s safe yet.

“Okay.” She sniffs. Takes a shuddering breath. “I’ll see you soon. Tell Dad. I love you.”

As she sets the phone back on the counter, Lucy turns to me, tears welling in her eyes. “I have to see my dad. Right away.”

My stomach feels like lead. Something is very wrong.

Keeping my tone low and soothing, I ask, “What’s wrong?”

Her chin wobbles. “My dad. He’s sick. He… My mom said they had to come back. To see the doctors in San Antonio. She said… he’s been sick for a while. His heart?—”

A tear spills down her cheek. I brush it away, crooning, “It’s okay, Luce. We’ll figure this out.”

“He’s in heart failure. Mom said… he hasn’t been feeling well for weeks. He saw a doctor in Paris, and he recommended a specialist. But they were trying to wait until they could get back home. To see someone here.”

Questions and logistics are racing through my head.What’s the severity of her dad’s condition? What doctor is he seeing? How can I support Lucy through this?

“This is my fault.” Lucy looks at me, guilt written across her face. “If not for me, he’d already have seen the specialist. He would’ve been home, instead of in another country.”

I pull her into my embrace. “It’s not your fault.”

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