Page 144 of Puck Me Secretly

“Who is Garrett?” I turned to Dad. “I was with Max.”

Dad’s breathing sounded labored. “You don’t have to cover for him. Our team can do without him.”

“Dad! I’m telling the truth.”

“Did anyone else see you together?” Brian interrupted.

“I don’t know. I can’t remember if the doorman was there. I didn’t see the delivery guy, Max paid for the food.”

“This is not happening!” Dad slammed his fists on the table. “This is not happening!”

Brian pinched his nose. “Rory. If you’re trying to cover for him.”

“I’m not. I’m dating Max Logan and I spent the night with my boyfriend. Trust me. He assaulted no one.”

“Okay, this is good. You’re a credible alibi.”

“You willnotcover for him!” Dad’s voice trebled.

Brian held my gaze. “The police will need to interview you. Can you do that?”

“Yes.”

“I won’t have it. Garrett will no longer ruin this team and this family.”

I turned towards Dad. His face was white, and he was yanking at his tie. Beads of sweat poured down his face.

“Dad, are you okay?”

“It’s hot in here.”

“No, it’s not.”

“I’m fine,” he wheezed. “I need some air.”

“Dad, you don’t look fine.” I moved to his side.

He held his left arm against his chest. “I need some air.”

I grabbed him as he slid to his knees.

“Dad!”

Then his eyes rolled back, and he fell against me.

“Brian, call an ambulance.”

I worked to lower Dad to the floor. “Dad, dad! Talk to me. Are you okay? What’s happening?”

I heard Brian shouting. Then two officers rushing into the room. One pushed me out the way while the other touched Dad on the neck.

“This man is having a heart attack.”

“What?”

“Go get the AED machine!”

The other officer took off.

---