Page 112 of Mayhem

“We got us a guest,” I hear Nate call out as we approach the front door.

As soon as we come into his view, he pushes the man he’s holding toward one of the others and heads toward me.

“Is she okay?” I can see his eyes tearing up, but he’s fighting to keep it in check.

“Move, idiot. We need to get her to the hospital.”

“Of course.” He clears the way, heading straight to my car, while the others flank us.

“What are you doing?” I ask when he moves to the driver’s seat.

“Someone has to hold her to prevent any further damage.”

I grunt.

“Don’t worry. I’ll drive fast.”

George opens the back door, helping me maneuver into the back seat with Willow in my lap.

Once in, Nate takes off. I place my hand on Willow’s neck, pressing my fingers to her pulse point. I concentrate on the beating of her heart, comforted at least a little that it is still there.

Looking at her face, I let the rest of the world fall away.

I’m not religious. I would be a fool to be with all the bad things I’ve done. However, in this moment, all I can think about is praying, wishing, or willing anyone or thing to make her okay. I would give up my very last breath for her to survive this.

Nate takes a corner a bit too sharp, causing us to slide in the seat a bit.

“Watch it, man.” I punch the back of his seat.

“Sorry. Almost there.”

My hand finds its place on her neck while I use the other to grip her around the shoulder. Leaning down, I press a kiss to her lips before leaning my head on her forehead.

Minutes later, the car comes to a stop, Nate jumping out and opening the back door. He lifts Willow out of my arms to allow me to get out, passing her back as soon as I’m standing. I rush into the hospital.

“I need a doctor right now!”

Everyone freezes, looking at me and the woman in my hands. Then within a blink, there’s a flurry of movement. One nurse comes to check her pulse, while another calls someone on the phone. A third nurse brings a gurney over, encouraging me to place Willow on it.

All within a minute, they have her whisked away. One nurse stays behind, asking me to go with her to triage to give more information.

Nate leaves to move the car and make calls while I answer her questions as vaguely as possible.

When the police show up, I lose my patience.

“Enough. I want to see her. Now!”

“I’m sorry, sir. We can’t let you see her. It’s family only.” The nurse says as she glances to the officer.

“I’ll be going back there one way or another, so I suggest you tell me where she is and then get out of my way.”

The woman’s eyes widen before she glances back at her computer.

The nurse looks around and says under her breath. “She’s in surgery. You can wait in the surgical waiting room on floor two.”

I push out of the room, making my way to the stairs, bypassing the elevator completely.

“Hold it, Rocky. You know we have to file paperwork,” the officer says.

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