Page 80 of Talon

“Your stepmother has to have some idea of where he went. Let’s find out what she knows.” He raises his hand to knock on the door again.

Allison opens it, her eyes narrowing as soon as she realizes we’re still on the porch.“Now, what?”

“You must know where he went today.” I put my hands on my hips and glare right back at her.

“I don’t.”

“Then we’re staying,” Talon says, placing his boot on the threshold so she can’t close the door on us again.

“Who are you?” she snaps, looking him up and down with disdain.“I’m not letting some motorcycle club gang member into my house.”

“Excuse me? Talon’s nothing like that. You’re judging him based on his appearance, and that’s just wrong.”

“Look at him! He’s filthy and scruffy. I won’t let a homeless person into my house,” she huffs, crossing her arms over her chest.“If you don’t take your scumbag boyfriend and leave, I’m calling the police.”

“Go ahead!” I challenge, knowing that we haven’t done anything wrong.“But we’re not leaving until you tell us where my father is.”

“Fine!” Allison spits.“He’s here, but he’s sick. He can’t have visitors right now.”

My chest tightens with a mixture of anger and fear.“Why didn’t you tell me my dad was sick? You could have called me!”

“I tried going to your house to let you know, but you haven’t been home. And you’re always so busy with work that I didn’t think you’d care.”

“That’s no excuse. You could’ve left a message or texted me.” I’m not buying her explanation one bit. She’s lying. And why would she drive all the way to my house instead of simply calling me? It doesn’t make any sense.

“Whatever.” She waves a dismissive hand.“Your father is sick, and he doesn’t need any additional stress from you barging in here. You need to leave before he hears you.”

“Let me see him,” I say firmly.“I have a right to see my own father.”

Allison looks like she wants to protest, but Talon takes a step toward her. I can tell his presence intimidates her because she immediately takes a step back.

“We’re going in. Call the cops if you want, but Jessica has every right to be here.” He pushes past her, making a path for me. I hurry behind him, ignoring Allison’s enraged blubbering.

As we make our way upstairs to my father’s bedroom, my thoughts race. What if something terrible has happened to him? What if it’s too late to help him? I can’t lose him, too. Not after what happened with my mom.

Entering the room, I gasp at the sight before me. My father, once strong and vibrant, lies in bed, looking gaunt and barely alive. His face is pale, his breathing shallow, and he seems only half conscious. The sight of him brings tears to my eyes.

“We need to get him to the hospital,” I whisper, fighting to keep my emotions in check.“He can’t stay here.”

“Let’s call an ambulance. They’ll know what to do,” Talon says.

“Jess?” My dad cracks a single eye open.“Help me.”

“Hang on, Daddy. We’re going to get help.” I reach for the phone, determined to call 911, but Allison moves quickly, blocking my path and grabbing the landline phone before I can take hold of it.

“No,” she snarls.“He’s fine.”

“Give me the damn phone! You can’t just let him suffer like this. What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“You’re overreacting,” she snaps back, gripping the phone tightly.“He just needs rest, not a hospital.”

“Are you serious?” I can’t believe what I’m hearing. My father’s life hangs in the balance, and she’s playing games with his health. With a surge of adrenaline, I lunge at her, trying to wrestle the phone from her grasp.

“Let go, you crazy bitch!” she screeches as we struggle.

I refuse to let go of the phone. The thought of losing my father fuels my determination, and finally, I manage to rip it out of her hands.

“Stop wasting time!” Talon shouts, stepping between us to prevent further conflict. I nod gratefully at him, then dial 911 with shaking fingers.

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