Page 51 of Fourteen Years

“Is she okay?” I demanded, leaning over them, begging them to tell me she was fine.

“So far vitals are good. We’re going to take her into the hospital. She’s got trauma and blood loss. We have a full vehicle, do you have a ride?” the female paramedic asked.

“I’m riding with her.” I argued.

“You can’t do that right now and you’re holding us up.” the woman stated firmly.

“I’ve got him. We’re right behind you.” Lucas’ voice broke through my anger and frustration.

“Nick?”

“I’ve got the scene.” Nick affirmed, even as the ambulance sped off and I headed towards Lucas’ truck.

“Come on.” I ordered, as Lucas climbed in, starting the truck and slamming it into gear to follow.

“I’ve got a sweatshirt or something you can put on in the back.” he stated gruffly, and I blinked down at myself, tattooed chest bare. Because my shirt was stopping Monica’s bleeding.

Monica. Who was hurt.

In an ambulance without me.

“FUCK.” I growled, hitting the console.

“HEY!” Lucas yelled, keeping his eyes on the road, sparing me half a glance. “It won’t help her if you fall apart. Get a fucking shirt on and get ready to be there for her.” he ordered.

I glared at him, ready to fight, Even as he glanced at me again.

“Don’t make me knock some fucking sense into you, asshole.” he stated firmly.

Shaking my head, I knew he was right. I turned searching through the bags in the back before pulling out a Reading Police Department shirt and pulling it over my head.

“Remind me to get a picture of that for Monica when she wakes up.” he grumbled, almost laughing.

I just glared at him.

“She’s going to be fine, man. She’s been through trauma and lost blood. They’ll get her fixed up. She’s stronger than she looks.”

I just looked out the window as we entered the town. We sped through the streets to the hospital where they’d taken Monica.

Lucas’ vehicle screeched to a stop behind the ambulance and we jumped out hitting the emergency entrance just as they took Monica past the doors to the back.

“Officer Marshall!” a chipper voice spoke, even as I made to follow where they’d disappeared.

“Not now,” Lucas’ voice was rough, more rude than he’d usually be.

“Um…. weren’t you on your way to labor and delivery?” the female voice spoke more hesitantly now.

I froze, spinning to look towards Lucas who had turned into a living statue.

“Um…Officer Marshall?” The nurse looked between Lucas and I worriedly.

“Fuck,” I muttered, stepping up to my friend. Snapping my fingers in front of his face, “Dude!” I spoke harshly. “Snap the fuck out of it.”

He blinked, coming back into focus.

“Labor and delivery? Where? Where is she?”

The nurse stared at both of us, eyes huge, “Um…third floor, room three-eighty-nine.”

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