Page 60 of Chubs

“Lucy, I need a ride,” he says in a weak gasp.

Sitting up straight in alarm, I ask, “What’s wrong? Where?”

“The hospital.”

“I’ll come get you, but where’s Bailey? Your dad?” I ask as I stand and gather my purse.

“She’s got Alex, and I don’t want to bother or scare her. No idea where Dad is. Can you…” Axel says, then goes silent.

“Axel? Axel?” I ask in a near shout.

No answer.

“Give me your keys, and let’s go,” Candy states calmly.

Candy and I reach my car, jump in, and she drives at a fast pace. Not long, and we’re stopping outside the clubhouse. Rushing inside, I see no one, so we make our way to Axel’s room. Knocking but not receiving a reply, I push open the door to find Axel sprawled on his bed.

Placing my hand on his forehead, I realize he’s burning up. We try to wake him but to no avail. The man is seriously sick.

“I’ll call 911 for an ambulance,” I tell Candy, but she’s already shaking her head no.

“We can have him at the hospital before they’ll even arrive out here.”

“We can’t get him to my car. He’s too big,” I inform her while sending out a group text to the club members. Hopefully, someone’s close enough to help.

Candy bends low, slings one of Axel’s arms over her shoulder, then grabs a leg and does a power lift. His entire body is now resting across her shoulders, his head lolling from side to side. Surprised, I stand there mute and unmoving.

“Can’t do this forever, Lucy. Get the doors, and I’ll get him inside your car,” Candy says with a grunt, then starts moving through the room.

Placing his large body in the backseat of my car isn’t done with grace, but he’s inside. He’s probably got a head injury by now, but that’s the least of our concern. Candy orders me to climb in with him, and she moves to the driver’s seat. I no more than get the door closed, and we’re moving at a fast rate. Flying past the gatehouse, I see Toes sitting there, playing on his phone. He never even noticed us coming, the gate was still open, or us leaving. There will be hell for him to pay, I’m sure.

I rest Axel’s head in my lap and make sure he’s still breathing. My phone starts beeping with incoming texts, and I glance down at it.

Pooh: At the ranch. Toes is at the gate. Call him.

Cash: James and Livi are on duty but will meet you at the hospital if they can. Texted the Aunts. They’re on their way too.

Gunner: Seriously sick or just in labor?

Petey: Still at the ranch. Trudy’s helping Ava at a catering event. Be there as soon as I can.

Vex: Taja and Tessie are in town. I texted them. They’ll meet you at the hospital.

Horse: On my sway. be in an uber. The ssswhole horse-riding thing fucked with my head and I’ve beeeeeen drinking. Beer. Lotsa lotsa beers. Tink I have PsTBbb. Pttsby. PT that thing that meanssss I’mmm fuccked up.

Horse: Lucy? Luuuucy? Youuu therrre?

Gunner: Jesus, Horse. Just stop typing. Stay where you are, and we’ll send your mommy over to tuck you in for the night.

Trigger: At the ranch. Riding back with Petey. Tammy and Pippa have the kids so they won’t be there.

Freddy: Did you call 911? You’ll need them to load him up. I’m on my way to help.

Me: Candy carried him to my car and we’re on the way to the hospital. Will let you know what we find out. He’s burning up and unconscious.

Petey: I’ll pick up Bailey on my way. I’ll let her know what’s going on then. No need to upset her yet.

Pooh: Candy lifted him by herself? And carried his fat ass all the way out to your car?

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