Page 112 of Legacy of Lies
“Zach,” they both said together.
Moving as quickly as their aching and abused bodies permitted, they sidestepped a deputy to enter the house.
“Zach?” Garrison called. He turned into the living room. “Zach? Dad?”
No one sat in the living room. Where was his father?
Kerr entered the house. “They’re at the hospital.”
• • •
Garrison spun and ran out the door to the truck, ignoring the officer again.
Sara followed. “Garrison!”
“Get in.” He paused. “Please.”
The sudden need in his voice stopped her cold. Was her future worth this man? Later. She’d deal with those thoughts later.
“If you’re sure ...”
“Yes. I’d like you to get checked out at the hospital, too.”
“No, I—”
“Please.” Again. He held a hand out across to the passenger side. “I almost lost you and Zach today. I need to know that you’re both okay.”
A lump made her throat ache. He wanted to see Zach, understandable. He wanted to make sure her injuries weren’t serious.
Practical and reasonable.
Her chest ached, and her eyes burned.
She got in and buckled up as Garrison revved the truck and sped away.
No. She wouldn’t feel sorry for herself. She’d made her decision; time to cut ties with Garrett and the Taggart family. She would finish out the semester, but this week had made it obvious she needed to be someplace else.
Where? How?
Anywhere. No way would she stay here with all of the bad blood from dealing with Hank. From the damage done to the Taggart family.
What about her school loans? She would deal with them. She’d talk with the board members. Figure something out. If necessary, she’d simply pay off the loan, however long it took. She could get a second job if she had to. Hard as paying off $100,000 would be, at least she could give the Taggarts some space. She could move on with the plan she’d mapped for her life.
The best decision, right?
So why did it hurt like a bomb had just exploded inside her chest?
For right now, though, she would make sure Zach was all right.
In no time, they pulled up to the ER at Bondurant Valley Hospital, just outside of Copper River.
Her heart pounded harder as each step carried them closer to the doors.
The receptionist startled at Garrison’s and Sara’s rough appearances.
“Oh my word, are you two all right?” the older woman said.
“Fine,” Sara said.
