Page 46 of Small Sacrifices

"Why would she contactme?"

It's very tempting to point out that Mr. Wright has been handling all personal contact with the parents since Friday.But Reid has some sense of self-preservation. Instead, he just explains that she hasn't tried to get in contact withhimeither. "I'm worried that something may have happened."

Mr. Wright rolls his eyes. "It probably just started too early. Sick children are exhausting, if my wife is to be believed"

Right. Reid keeps forgetting that the man is a father. It's strange to see him express empathy. But it's probably for the best. Mr. Wright has his opinion, and he's made it clear. As long as Reid has pointed out that there may be a problem, he's done his job.

The drive to the hospital is short, but it's long enough that the silence grows uncomfortable for Reid. He just sits there, twists his ring, and does his best not to think about the fact that this hospital visit is going to make it impossible for him to eat lunch on time. How are they even going to eat lunch? Do they just order from room service? Is he supposed to get his own food and then later hand in the receipt? He really should have asked about this.

For a wild moment, Reid thinks the driver is going to enter the emergency bay. But there's a small passageway beyond it. It leads to what looks like a small employee parking space. Reid has to smile when he sees that several bays have been crossed out in sidewalk chalk.

Someone is waiting for them by the side entrance. Mr. Holland jogs to meet him as the other cars join them in the parking lot. Reid tells himself that the only reason he watches him through the window is curiosity. It has nothing at all to do with the fact that he can feel Everett's eyes on his face.

Either way, that's how he observes the irritation wash over the man. Even from several car lengths away, he could swear that he can see him utter the words: "Are you serious?" That can't be good.

When Officer Holland is back in his seat, Reid's assessment of the situation is proven accurate. "Okay, so that was a nurse. He says that Ms. Greene probably doesn't want to see us today."

A deep furrow forms between Mackenzie's eyebrows. "Probably? What's that supposed to mean?"

"He said he wasn't at liberty to say," Mr. Holland elaborates. "But something happened. He doesn't know Ms. Greene's precise wishes. But he was sent out on her behalf. Apparently, they're pretty sure she wants us gone."

Oh no.Reid intertwines his fingers in his lap to keep himself from twisting them. Thatcan'tbe good. That—it has to mean that something happened to Robin, right?

"And she couldn't tell us that herself?" the governor asks. "From all I've heard, the womanownsa cell phone."

"Maybe something happened," Everett says. Going by his eyebrows, he isn't thrilled with this situation either. But why? Who is he angry with—Ms. Greene or his father? Reid can hazard a guess.

Governor Mackenzie sighs. "It's not that serious. But even if the boy is throwing temper tantrums right now, it would only be polite to cancel. Sick childrenareexhausting, but she's still an adult."

Reid presses his tongue against his front teeth and says nothing.

Everett rolls his eyes. "You're probably not her top priority right now."

Against his will, Reid feels his lips twitch.

Mr. Wright scoffs. "Be that as it may, she has to know how valuable his time is. This is incredibly impolite."

It might be impolite, but it could also be an emergency. It's pretty incomprehensible to Reid that they're not taking this into consideration. Everett looks quite pinched as well.

Officer Holland clears his throat. "The nurse was pretty firm. I don't think we'll lay eyes on Ms. Greene today."

"But she's here, right?" Mr. Wright asks.

"It appears so."

"Well, then." Mr. Wright nods in Reid's direction. "We'll leave someone to catch her when she leaves.Ourtime is better spent elsewhere."

Reid likes that emphasis about as much as he likes Mr. Wright as a person. Never mind the fact that this feels dangerously close to stalking. He's not comfortable with that.

"We haven't tried calling her yet. Maybe—"

"You can call her while you're waiting."

Shit. "And how will I get back?"

The look that Mr. Wright shoots his way is scathing. "Ever heard of taxis?"

Chapter 16: Robin

---