Page 48 of Wild Card
“Where is she? Docs won’t tell me nothin’.”
“Of course, they’re not gonna tell you anything, you’re not family,” Brett scoffs, and Hack barely gives the prick a chance to finish before he grips the fucker by the lapels of his jacket and forces him into the wall.
“There’s a time and place for your smug little comments, Porter, now ain’t it?” He drops him and takes a breath before he turns to face me.
“Ya heard anythin’?” he asks.
“No, nothing yet.” I shake my head sadly.
“Fuck.” Hack drops into one of the chairs and slides his hands through his long blonde hair. “How the hell did this happen? Esmé’s smart…she wouldn’t involve herself in that shit.”
“Moby found the pills in her bag.” I head over and squeeze his shoulder; we’re past the stage of pretending that he doesn't care for the girl. I can see he’s worried sick and ready to commit murder.
“Why? Why would she do it?” He looks at Ruby like she holds all the answers, and I can see that she’s close to breaking. “Who did she buy from?” He stands back up and hovers over her like he’s interrogating the poor girl.
“Hey, she don’t know shit; I already asked.” I try and cool him down, slowly pulling him away. “But we’ll find out.” I lower my head to his and stare him in the eyes. “We’re gonna find the person behind this.”
Brett doesn’t say a word, just stands with that same blank look on his face.
“Esmé Porter?” One of the female doctors comes in, and Ruby leaps straight up to her feet, bouncing on them and looking anxious.
“Is she okay?”
“She’s feeling very groggy. She had a very close call, but she’s going to be okay,” the doctor reveals, and unable to control her emotions, Ruby throws her arms around her shoulders and squeezes her tight.
“Can I see her? Please say I can see her. I’m not family, but I am her best friend, and her dad isn’t here yet. She wouldn’t wantto be alone.” The words come outta her mouth so fast the doctor laughs.
“You can see her, but just briefly; she needs to rest.” She smiles warmly as Ruby wastes no time rushing off down the hall to be with her friend.
“Due to the nature of the incident, I’ve had to inform law enforcement; it’s hospital policy.” She looks toward Brett, then her eyes land on me and Hack suspiciously.
“Appreciated.” Brett nods his head before taking out his cell, pressing it to his ear, and leaving the room again.
TWENTY-TWO
Ruby
“Ash?” I gently stir him awake when I find him sitting on the floor, propped up against the wall in the family room, sleeping.
“Shit.” He wakes up with a start, smiling momentarily when he first sees me, then remembering where we are, he sits himself up a little straighter.
“Esmé’s dad’s on his way. I spoke nicely to the nursing staff, and they let me stay with her for all this time.” I smile, wondering why he’s still here.
“Where's your fiancé?” he asks, scrubbing his eyes to wake himself up, and when I look up at the clock on the wall and see it’s three thirty, I get why he’s so tired. I can’t believe he waited here for all this time.
“He left a few hours ago. Guess he had to ensure the scandal doesn't leak.” I wish I could say I was surprised by Brett’s behaviour, but since hearing what his intentions are, it makes sense.
“And Hack? I could have sworn he was here when I fell asleep.”
“He’s with Esmé. I spokereallynice to the nurses.” I smile some more.
“I think he likes her,” Ash croaks, wearing a sleepy grin that looks so handsome on him.
“I do, too.” I’ve watched the way he’s sat and held her hand, watching her sleeping, and there’s no doubt about it. Hack’s got it bad for my best friend.
“You need a ride home?” Ash checks, starting to slide up the wall and get back on his feet.
“I thought you followed us on your bike?” I look up at him.
