Page 229 of Unexpected Heroine

She tips her chin at my extended hand. “What’s that about?”

“Can I get my gold star, please?”

Chapter 41

I'm not throwing away my shot

TOMER

My head barely hits the pillow when I’m startled alert by the blaring of my Redleg phone. I glance at the screen. It’s Big Al.

Oh fuck. How does he know?

Shaking it off, because him knowing about Lettie is impossible, I sit up and grab my cell.

After what she and I discussed this evening—her meeting him as soon as I can arrange it—I suppose it’s no wonder my first thought is related to guilt and dread. The ticking clock of reckoning is getting louder.

“Hey, Boss,” I answer.

“Hospital. Now. Arm yourself and be fucking careful. Watch your back. Bring your laptop, tablet, and anything you need to work remotely.” He stops his uncharacteristic rambling, releasing a shuddering breath. “I need you.” His voice cracks, so he attempts it again, “I need you, son.”

“I’m on my way.”

Not bothering to ask questions. He’ll fill me in when I get there. The tone of his voice alone is unlike anything I’ve ever heard from him. He’s a rock. Always.

Even when . . .

No. Not thinking about that night.

Jumping out of bed, I’m dressed, strapped, and loading up the car three minutes later.

As soon as I walk into the hospital, I see Sawyer and Sammy in the corner of the lobby. She’s got her face buried into his chest, and he’s wrapped his arms around her, keeping her close. I know it’s Sammy because her body type differs from Lettie’s, especially with the pregnancy. Yet her similar-length blond hair fucks with me all the same.

When Sawyer sees me, he waves at me from over her head, motioning me toward them. My legs eat up the tile floor between us.

“Hey, man,” Sawyer says, no levity in his tone or expression.

Sammy sniffles and turns to face me. “Hi, Tomer,” she chokes out, wiping her cheeks. Her face is bright red and tear-streaked, and her chin wobbles.

“What’s happening?” I ask, my line of sight darting between them.

Sawyer answers me with a question of his own. “What do you know already?”

“Not a goddamn thing. Boss called, saying to get my shit and head over here immediately. I didn’t ask questions.”

Sammy tosses her hair back, running her fingers through it from the crown of her head down to the back. “You’re probably the only human who could get a call like that in the middle of the night and not demand answers.” She sniffles through a morose laugh.

He never asked me to explain when I needed him. Big Al fucking shows up. Period. No bitching or demanding answers. This is my way of returning that trust and loyalty in kind.

Sawyer recaptures my focus, finally explaining what’s happened. “Madeline was shot tonight outside a restaurant. Hit in the arm. Not life-threatening. She’ll be treated and released tonight.” He tips his head toward the hallway leading to the other part of the hospital. “Leo and Sue are back there with her now.”

My spine goes ramrod straight, adrenaline surging through my body and activating my fight-or-flight response. “Where’s Boss?”

“At the police station,” Sawyer responds.

“Why?”

“He returned fire, killing the shooter.”

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