Page 113 of Fallen Hearts

“She doesn’t like to eat a big breakfast every day but makes an exception for Fridays. Says it’s her favorite day of the week, or something about kicking off the weekend. I dunno. But I usually bring her breakfast from Esther. Granted, it’s a late breakfast. I’m back to closing up on Thursdays.”

Beck. Delivering Pia breakfast. I shook my head. The relationship between the two of them was… interesting. Usually Beck had only one use for women. I’d never actually seen him be friends with one before.

“So what did she do this morning?”

“Nothing. That’s my point. Usually when she’s finished she comes down with her empty plate, asks me if I need anything, and then goes over to the rooms to check on guests. But she never came down. I went up to check on her, and she hadn’t eaten. Seems odd to me.”

“You guys have a regular routine over there, it seems.”

“That’s what you’re worried about?”

He was right.

“We’ve got to get her out. Maybe Parker can ask.”

“First of all, she’s not going to say yes to him after she said no to me.” Beck seemed to take it as a personal affront that Pia would even consider such a thing. Despite myself, despite the stakes, I smiled at the effect she had on my friend. It was a shame Cole hadn’t gotten to know her as well as Parker and Beck. But I supposed that was the least of my concerns at the moment.

I looked at my clock, as if it mattered. I had no idea what time Delaney worked, or if she’d be there today at all.

“Listen, I need another favor.”

“Shoot.”

That he hadn’t even asked what it was made me thankful for having him in my life. I might not have parents, or siblings, but I had three best friends.

Shaking off the rare moment of sentimentality, something that had become more common as of late, I asked Beck to find Delaney.

“I have no idea if she’ll be there, but it’s worth a shot. Tell her everything.”

“Let me see who’s on day shift. If I can sneak over there now, I will. If not, I’ll send Parker. He mentioned finishing up a job and getting back early today.”

“Either way, talk to her. See if she can convince Pia to go out.”

“Dumb question, but why can’t you call the pharmacy?”

Shit. Confession time. “I actually did, just before I left. There was a busy signal for more than an hour. I think something’s up with their phones.”

Silence.

“You called her first?”

“This isn’t a popularity contest, Beck. And to be fair, I texted both of you assholes and no one got back to me.”

“Maybe if you waited more than a half hour…”

“Can we debate that later? I still have a few calls to make.”

“Fine. We’ll keep you posted.”

“Thanks,” I said, cursing at the dipshit who slammed on his breaks. “Fucking New Jersey drivers are the worst.”

“Not gonna argue with you there. Talk to you later.”

“Later,” I said, my heart pounding. Last time I’d been this keyed up was day one of Ranger training. At least then I knew what to expect even if I hadn’t known if I could hack it. This was an entirely different matter. I had zero clue what was going to happen tonight, what Pia would say or if I’d be coming down this highway in the opposite direction tomorrow…

Or never again.

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