Page 107 of In Hiding

“I wish I could sleep.”

As she started walking, he followed. They left the waiting area and entered a quiet, darkened corridor.

“Why is that?”

“Too much going on in my head.”

“Which is perfectly normal. Would you like me to have Kate come and see you later?”

They stopped outside a room. “Is it wrong to want someone dead?”

Stevie turned to him and placed both of her hands on his shoulders. He was almost as tall as her now. “It’s normal to be angry or feel hatred toward someone who has hurt you. Wanting someone dead isn’t the same as harming them.”

“But I pushed him off the cliff. What does that say about me?”

She touched his cheek and shook her head. “It tells me you were strong enough to defend you and your mum, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I know what you think, Will, but you didn’t kill your father.”

It felt like he did. “I wanted to. I even learnt how to fight so that when he came, I was ready.”

“Was it Jake who taught you?”

He didn’t want to be honest in case Jake got in trouble, but he nodded. It surprised him when she gave a nod.

“He’s one of the good guys. He gave you what you needed when you needed it. Make sure you thank him.”

Before he could say another word, she turned him around and gave him a gentle push into the room. A soft lamp was the only source of light, but it was enough to see Jake had his eyes open. His fingers motioned for William to come closer. The tubes and machines worried him as he stepped forward.

“It’s good to see you,” Jake said. He sounded out of breath.

William felt his chest tighten. Jake came back to protect them and nearly died because of it. That wasn’t fair. “Are you okay?”

Jake’s eyes closed slowly and then opened. “Good as gold. How’s your mum?”

“She’s asleep but okay. Uncle Erik is here.”

“That’s good. You should rest.”

William stepped closer to the bed and picked up Jake’s hand. “Are you going to leave us, now? I mean, there’s no reason to stay.”

Jake swallowed and squeezed his hand. “My job is done. You and your mum are safe.”

“No.” The word sounded too loud in the quiet room. William cleared his throat. “I mean, you have to stay.”

“Why?”

He frowned. Wasn’t the answer to that obvious? “You love her.”

Jake stared at the ceiling and sighed. He blinked slowly, looking like he was going to pass out. “True.”

“She doesn’t hate you.” He didn’t know if Mama loved Jake the way he loved her, but he was certain about that. “I want you to stay.”

Jake patted his hand. “You have your uncle Erik, now.”

“But I need you.”

He heard his voice and almost cringed. He sounded like a whiny kid about to throw a tantrum. It made Jake look at him. A smile lifted his mouth and his hand reached up to rest against William’s cheek. Hot tears blurred his vision but he didn’t care. Jake couldn’t go. He wouldn’t let him.

Jake pulled him down for a hug but William resisted, staring at the stark white bandages covering the bullet wound.

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