Page 44 of Depraved Truths

In an effort to show emotion, I easily recall a memory of a former patient, a kind-hearted woman who frequently came to the ER due to cancer complications. A woman I tried desperately to save. Tears spring into my eyes as I look at him.

“I’m okay. It’s part of the job, but it never gets easier.” That isn’t exactly a lie. Villains are the only ones who make it easy. The loss of an innocent life is almost unbearable, especially when it could’ve been prevented.

I pull my bag onto my shoulder, say goodnight, and make my way home. A broad smile spreads across my face as I pull into my driveway and park next to Eli’s truck. This is something I could definitely get used to. How did someone like me get so lucky? I’ve spent so much of my life keeping everyone at a distance, not letting anyone near my heart or close enough to hurt me like my parents did.

Walking into the house, the aroma of cooking food fills the air. Eli turns, and his eyes light up. A light grin crosses his face. A wave of warmth and certainty washes over me, and I know, without a doubt, that I’m irrevocably in love with him. He pulls me close, his fingers tangling in my hair, and then his lips are on mine—soft and warm. My lips tingle as I deepen the kiss, and we’re both left breathless.

“Damn, baby, kiss me like that and we won’t be eating supper until later.”

I stiffen, caught off guard by his use of the nickname, the memory of that defining night fresh in my mind. Yet, his teasing, bright eyes—full of adoration and longing—electrify me. Complete devotion and hunger focused solely on me.

“As good as that sounds, I’m starved.” I croak out a laugh and swat him on the ass.

Working together as if we’ve been doing it for years, we set the table. He places the chicken Alfredo on a hot plate, and just as he’s pulling the garlic bread out of the oven, his phone rings.

He sets the pan on the stove, grabs his cell, and answers, “Hey, man. We’re about to—what? Wait, slow down. Tell me what happened?”

My eyes shoot up to him as he turns to face me. The color drains from his face.

“Eli…” I look at him, a sharp pang of panic twisting in my stomach.

“It’s Allie.”

Chapter 31

Jumping out of the car as it rolls to a stop in front of the emergency room, I dash inside without waiting for Eli to park the truck. The moment I step into the lobby, my eyes land on Jace, pacing with a worried look twisting his features.

“Jace?! What happened to Allie?” I rush toward him, the words tumbling out in a breathless rush.

“Tessa, she’s in a bad way,” he says, his voice thick with distress. “Her place is only a few houses down from mine. I was working on my boat when I heard shouting. A few seconds later, I heard her scream.” His voice cracks, and he swallows hard, eyes glassy. “I ran over, but the door was locked, so I kicked it in. Found her lying there—unconscious, her head bleeding.” He looks down, his breath shallow. “She looked so pale. So broken.”

The weight of his words hits me like a punch to the stomach.

“Dalton,” I mutter through clenched teeth, rage swelling inside me. I push it down. Now is not the time. Not yet.

“There was someone leaving out the back door when I got there. I wanted to chase after them, but I had to get help for Allie. It hadto have been that bastard.” His eyes flicker with anger, then darken with worry again.

“Have you heard anything? Any updates?” I press, desperate for any information.

“No,” Jace shakes his head, frustration etched across his face. “They won’t tell me anything because I’m not family.”

Eli appears in the lobby then, his heavy boots echoing against the tile. I approach the nurses’ desk, where the triage nurse looks disinterested, her eyes glued to her phone.

“Can you please provide an update on Allie Walker?” I ask, my voice sharp.

“Are you family?” she responds without even glancing up, her tone flat.

“Sarah,” I deadpan, my eyes narrowing.

Her gaze snaps up, recognition dawning in her features. She stammers, “D-Dr. Sparks, I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize it was you.” She hastily reaches for a button and buzzes me through. “I’ll let you back to see the doctor. I think she’s in radiology right now.”

I glance at Eli. He gives me a reassuring nod and gently guides Jace to a chair.

Rushing down the hallway, I push open the door to the doctor’s lounge. John is at the table, casually sipping his coffee, but his grim expression falters when he sees me.

“Tessa. I suppose I know why you’re here,” he says, his voice heavy with concern.

“How is she? Please, tell me what her status is.” My voice trembles, betraying the panic I’m barely keeping in check.

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