Page 73 of Fanatic

I headed for the lift at speed. With my SUV being a write-off, I had Fanatic’s, which meant I wasn’t stranded. Fanatic actuallyowned two cars and his hog. He’d given me his SUV, not trusting me with his 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda.

I merged onto the road, weaving in and out of traffic quickly to reach him. I could have done with the muscle car right now. Fanatic had seemed fine this morning when we’d left for work. What on earth could have happened?

In record time, I reached the hospital and jumped out. Running into the ER, I approached the nurse and flipped my badge. “Micah Michaelson was brought in as an emergency.”

“Bay three, Agent Ware,” she replied, checking my credentials and admitting me.

I rushed through the doors and ran to bay three. When I arrived, Jinx and Big Al were there alone.

“What happened?” I demanded. “Where’s Fanatic?”

“Having some tests. He’ll be back soon. Chance is with him, girl,” Big Al answered.

“What do we know?”

“Nothing. Chance and I saw him go down. Fanatic looked disorientated and appeared to be reaching for something. Then Fanatic just hit the floor hard,” Jinx said, looking distressed.

“This isn’t on you,” I stated, sensing where Jinx’s mind was.

“We don’t know that. Fanatic’s been good to me, Willow. I’d not wish him harm,” Jinx muttered.

“Jinx. This isn’t the Jinx effect,” I reassured.

I paced back and forth as we waited for Chance and Fanatic to return. Big Al announced that Hellfire was arriving about thirty minutes later, and he went outside to update them.

An hour later, Phoe rushed in, wild-eyed, with Drake on her heels. Both of them were pale and scared.

“Any news?” Drake asked.

“Nothing yet. They took him down over an hour ago for tests and haven’t come back yet,” I replied.

“Can I get you anything?” Jinx inquired, looking awkward.

“I’m fine, Jinxy. Go wait with the brothers if you wish,” I suggested.

“Fanatic would want me to stay with you,” he said, eyeing Drake.

“Jinx, it’s okay. Honest. I’m good.”

“Thanks, Willow,” Jinx muttered and scarpered.

“Loyal, that one,” Drake murmured and wrapped his arms around Phoe.

I needed that. An Uncle Drake hug, but I wasn’t sure I was entitled to ask after our last meeting. Drake rested his chin on Phoe’s head and stared until I squirmed.

“Come here, Willow.”

I didn’t hesitate but burrowed into him as Phoe moved a little and Drake embraced us both.

“I’m so sorry, Uncle Drake. Those words were awful. I blamed everybody and was furious at the world.”

“Don’t worry, kid, I’ve heard worse.”

“No, I owe you this, Uncle Drake. Please listen and accept my apology,” I begged.

“Willow, you’ve already been forgiven. I understand your emotions. When Da died, I fucked with everyone because I held them responsible. You used words, I used fists. Grief makes us react in ways we’d never consider usually. Let it go, Willow, and move on. Even if it’s with my son,” Drake said, and I jolted.

“We’re not stupid, Willow, sheesh. It’s obvious how you two feel about each other,” Phoe murmured.

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