Page 50 of Wicked Promises (Fallen Royals 3)

I wonder what she’d say if I told her I went to see Dad. She’d probably freak out on me and the Jenkinses.

But… she never asked where we were coming from when the accident happened. So maybe she knows the only way we’d be out on that side of town would be if we were visiting the prison.

I shift. My hand feels for the knife in my pocket, and the knot in my chest loosens.

She stops in front of the hospital. “Lenora said she would take you to your therapy appointment, okay? Call me if you need anything.”

Need anything.

I need answers. The truth.

But I can’t really say that, now can I?

I get out and walk toward the entrance, but her voice calls me back. “Margo, sorry, I forgot! Here.”

She reaches toward the open passenger window, extending a cell phone toward me. “To replace your other one. It was recovered in the car at the scene of the accident, so the insurance covered the new one. Isn’t that great?”

I take it, flipping it over. It’s an upgraded version of my previous one.

I smile. It’ll be nice to be in contact with Riley and Lenora. And Caleb.

She pulls away while I’m still looking down at it.

As long as Unknown hasn’t messaged me… But why would they? Their master plan succeeded.

Or did it?

Taking a deep breath, I slip it into my jacket pocket, turn on my heel, and go into the hospital. I can deal with that later.

I have the room number on a piece of paper in my pocket. After helpful direction from a nurse, I step into a busy wing. Lenora sees me almost immediately and jogs toward me.

She throws her arms around me, hugging me close.

I breathe in her scent—a mix of lavender shampoo and perfume—and relish the fact that it’s become familiar already. It reminds me of safety.

I haven’t seen her in only a day, but it feels longer. More than just wanting to settle back into normal… I want to go home.

“I’m glad you’re here. Did you sleep?” She brushes my hair back, scanning my face. Worry creases her eyebrows, and she briefly touches my forehead, near my stitches.

She’s the one who looks like she didn’t sleep. Her eyes are puffy, and she wears leggings and a baggy sweater.

“They’ve been letting me stay in his room on a cot now that he’s out of the ICU, but…” She tries to smile, but her chin wobbles.

Impulsively, I hug her again.

Her lips brush the top of my head, and I close my eyes.

“He’s going to be okay,” she whispers. “You’re safe. He’s safe.”

I blink back tears. “Okay.”

“He was asking for you.”

I pull back slightly. “He’s awake?”

“Yes, they just gave him breakfast. It’s the first meal he’s had…” She covers her mouth. “I’m just so thankful you both got through this.”

I don’t know how to respond to that, so I say, “I’m glad Caleb found me.”

---