Page 69 of Under Pink Skies

“It’s also important for you to know that he was operating his vehicle under the influence, and that his blood alcohol panel came back at over three times the legal limit,” Officer Laramie added.

Abbie sucked in a sharp breath. “Three times?”

Laramie gave a firm nod of his head. I fought to keep my expression neutral, even though questions as to how this man had been allowed to get behind the wheel swirled within me.

“Does your father have a history of alcohol abuse?” Powell asked, pulling a notebook and pen from his chest pocket and flipping it open.

“My mother died of cancer a few weeks after my high school graduation,” Abbie said, fiddling with her hands in her lap. “After that, my father changed. It’s gotten worse over the years, but I never would have guessed he’d be this reckless and stupid.”

“Was there anything this week that would have triggered him?”

“Oh my God,” Abbie croaked. “My mother received her diagnosis in October. The anniversary would have been a few weeks ago. I was so busy with the festival and everything else I didn’t . . .”

She looked at me helplessly. I pulled her in for another hug and she sobbed into my chest.

“It’s my fault,” she whispered. “I should have been there. I don’t know how I forgot.”

“It’s not your fault, Ms. Collins,” Officer Powell shook his head. “Your father’s actions are his own.”

Abbie only shook harder.

“Thank you for speaking with us,” Powell continued. “We appreciate your insight. The nurses and doctors can apprise you of his condition.”

The officer paused. “Your father will be formally charged with driving while under the influence, Ms. Collins. I’m sure you’re aware of that.”

“Good,” Abbie murmured, wrapping his arms tighter around my waist. “He deserves to be finally held accountable for his actions.”

I met Officer Laramie’s gaze over the top of Abbie’s head, giving them a slight nod to let them know I had her.

A knock sounded at the door.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Collins is awake. You can see him now,” Nurse Hadley said.

Officer Powell slid his notebook back into his pocket and standing to leave.

“We’d like to speak with your father. We’ll let you know when we’re finished. In the meantime, here’s my card. Please call me if you need anything.”

I took the card from his outstretched hand. When the officers left the room, Abbie let out a high-pitched groan of true agony. She sobbed into my chest, and I held her like the world would fall apart if I let go.

Less than an hour later, Officer Laramie came back to the waiting room to let us know we could see him. As we approached the room, Abbie paused at the door.

“You don’t have to do this if you’re not ready.”

“I’ll never be ready,” Abbie said, and pushed the door open.

Malcolm wore a blue and white hospital gown and sat up in bed, with a thin white sheet covering the lower half of his body. His face covered in scrapes and bruises, and it looked like he’d been through hell.

“It’s Abbie, Dad.”

“I can see you perfectly fine. I can see the asshole standing behind you, too,” Malcolm said, and dread filled me at the harsh words. I had a feeling this wouldn’t go well.

Abbie bristled beside me.

“We’ve already had this conversation. Connor is here for me, not you. Now, do you want to talk about what the happened the other night?”

“I just spent thirty minutes talking to the cops. No, I don’t want to talk about it. I do’t owe either of you an explanation,” Malcolm said. “If you came here to berate me, you can leave.”

“Do you understand how badly you fucked up?” Abbie said, trembling with how hard she was holding herself back. “You could havekilledsomeone. There’s no turning away from this.”

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