Page 102 of Red Queen (Red Thorns Crew 3)

He shrugged. “Might take some weight off your shoulders, getting it done sooner rather than waiting the entire weekend.”

“I think that might just be the most brilliant plan you’ve ever had.”

“Oh. Thanks for that. Not like I didn’t help you completely take down my father and his dark regime or anything.”

“I mean, maybe you helped out a bit.”

He winked at me. “Maybe a little more than a bit.”

I nuzzled against him. “If you don’t mind, just leave the keys to the truck on the kitchen counter. Once I find the strength to get into my own clothes, I’ll head to campus.”

He kissed the top of my head. “I’ll make sure to get it done. And good luck.”

“Thanks.”

Because I sure as hell would need it with Hannah.

33

Max

I clicked my tongue. “I figured he would’ve been discharged and in holding by this point.”

Rupert folded his arms over his chest. “After a gunshot wound to the gut? Hardly. He’ll be in here for probably another week or so before he’s up and walking around. And you know me with my aim. Dead on, every single time.”

I looked over at him. “Thank you for that.”

He shrugged. “Anytime. You know that.”

John interjected. “Ready when you are, Max.”

I nodded. “Yep. I’m ready.”

John opened his door. “Thanks for picking us up, Rupert. We’ll be out in a bit. This shouldn't take long.”

Rupert put the truck in drive. “I’m gonna go park in a space and keep an eye out for you two. Then we’re all going to get a beer somewhere.”

I unbuckled myself. “I have to be back by five, though. Don’t forget that.”

Rupert clapped my shoulder. “Don’t worry. We’ll have you back in time for you to process yourself to your own funeral.”

I rolled my eyes while John laughed. “Thanks for that.”

“Anytime, brother.”

I shook my head as I slid out of the truck. Then John and I started into the hospital. While we knew it was going to be a headache trying to find our father’s room, we certainly didn’t bank in it taking almost forty minutes. One minute, a nurse was telling us one thing. And the next, a doctor pointed us in another direction. We finally got so fed up with the process that I started searching for a bodyguard instead of a doctor.

And when I found one, I pulled him into the corner.

“What can I help you with?” the kind man asked.

“I want to know where the rest of your men that are supposed to be on duty are. Because I know they’re stationed outside a room. And I’m trying to find that room.”

John placed his hand on mine. “You can let the man go now.”

My hand fell to my side as the security guard shrugged off the phantom presence of my touch. But he also didn’t hesitate to answer my question.

“Yeah. I know what you’re looking for. You know only family can go up there to see anyone, right?”

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