Page 39 of Two Steps Ahead

Kayleigh stiffened. “Oh God.”

“No fatalities, but there were some injuries. Kayleigh...your father is in the hospital. I don’t know much but—”

She turned to Weston. “We have to go. I have to see him.”

“That’s exactly where they’ll expect you to go,” Chance said.

“I don’t care. If it was one of your parents, would you hide and wait for word or would you be there?”

Weston didn’t even have to consult his brother. There was no way in hell any of the Patterson boys wouldn’t be at their parents’ side in that situation.

That didn’t mean he liked bringing Kayleigh into danger. He let out a sigh. “It’s not the safest plan.”

She narrowed her eyes. “You’ll keep me safe. But we’re going.”

He gave her a short nod then got out his phone. He would need to set things in motion with his brothers to make sure she was truly secure.

“Okay. We go.”

He reached over and grabbed her hand. She squeezed it, relief clear on her features.

He hoped he wasn’t making a huge mistake.

Chapter Twelve

Weston was right on Kayleigh’s heels as she burst through the hospital’s waiting room door. Chance had entered first to scope out the situation and make sure there were no immediate threats. Weston wasn’t sure where Luke and Brax were, but knew they were also already in the building.

Upon arrival, a front-desk attendant escorted him and Kayleigh to a private section of the hospital. The waiting room was like any other hospital—beige walls, white-tiled floors and uncomfortable chairs.

Everyone inside the room was part of Leo’s employment. Under other circumstances that would’ve made Weston more comfortable, but not today.

The door hadn’t even closed behind them when Gwendolyn threw herself at Kayleigh with a relieved sob. Weston curbed the reflex to pull Kayleigh away from the incoming hug—potential danger—but stayed close.

“Thank God, you’re okay,” Gwendolyn whispered.

“You?” Kayleigh asked. “Are you hurt?”

“No, I’m fine.”

Kayleigh captured the other woman’s hands. “How is Dad?”

Weston hated how Kayleigh’s lip quivered and whole body shook with fine tremors. He took her by the arm and gently led her toward the chairs to sit next to him while Chance stood guard nearby.

The older woman cleared her throat, but before she could answer, someone else did. “Not well. Coma. They wouldn’t tell us more until you got here.”

“Dean! Your bedside manner is terrible.” Gwendolyn scolded the lawyer before turning back to Kayleigh. “I’ll let the nurses know you’re here. We’re hoping Leo’s doctor will be out shortly with an update.”

Kayleigh looked over at Weston. “I need to know what’s happening. I need to see him.”

“You will,” Weston soothed. He looked around and realized they were missing a major player in Leo’s forces. “Where’s Jasper?”

“Stayed behind to see who started the fire,” one of the security guards said.

Weston caught Chance’s eye. The head of security leaving his client alone in the hospital after an attack that large? That didn’t sit right.

Someone needed to ensure Leo’s safety. “How many guards on Leo’s door?”

“Two.”

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