Page 192 of Reckless Storm
“Yes. He heard Hayley scream and came back to help. He’s the one that stopped Landon from attacking Hayley after you fell.”
“Fuuck.Shit. Sorry. I had no idea.” I rack my brain for any moments that feature Zane, but I can’t recall any. “Honestly, I can’t recall much after getting stabbed. The last thing I remember is Hayley dropping down beside me. Is Zane okay?”
“So you don’t remember him tackling Landon?” the older officer asks without answering my question.
“No.” I glance away, my face scrunched as I try to focus, but I can’t remember. Hayley stepped in front of me, I saw the knife and pushed her out of the way, and in the next second I was shaking and my head started to spin. But… “Did you catch him? Landon, I mean?”
The officers’ eyes meet and a silent exchange takes place.
“Landon suffered a head injury when he hit the concrete. He was brought into the hospital with a suspected concussion but has since been put on life support.”
“He what?” I stare at the officers as a thick fog overwhelms me. “That… I… Are you sure?”
They both nod.
“Jesus.” I struggle to take in air as my chest tightens. I wanted to hurt him for scaring Hayley, but life support? A thought hits me and I panic, sending my machines into a melodic chaos. “Is Zane okay?” I repeat my earlier question, only this time, I’m wondering why I’m really being questioned. If Landon dies…from Zane’s tackle. God, I can’t imagine what he’s going through right now.
A nurse comes rushing into the room to check on me before anyone can answer, but after seeing I’m okay, he disappears quickly. “Well?” I ask again, needing answers.
“He’s been released from the hospital.”
That doesn’t answer my question. “Are you charging him?”
The officers glance at each other again before finally filling me in. “Not at this stage.”
“Thank God.” I release a long, drawn-out breath and cover my face with my hand.
Or is that only because Landon’s still alive?
Before I can ask, the officer continues. “We may need to ask you a few more questions once we get further into our investigation, but it looks like Landon was stalking both you and Hayley. We found images of the two of you on his phone and notes regarding your whereabouts. We’re working with the San Francisco PD to run a search of his home and will speak to his family and friends. We’ll have to wait and see what happens with Landon before closing the case. But with both Zane and Hayley’s statements matching up, and the camera footage from the hotel, we’ve got a fair idea of what went on.”
“Thank you,” I say as my pulse finally starts to slow.
“Thank you for your time. Next time you’re here we’d appreciate it if—”
“I stay out of trouble?”
“No, you lose the game.”
The younger officer smirks and I laugh. “Not a chance.” But fuck, I hope I’ll be playing next time.
After they leave, I stare at the wall while racking my brain to remember more. And I’m still staring when Hayley returns, bringing a smile to my face the second I see her.
“Hey you.” She grins from the threshold, her stunning blue eyes easing my gut-wrenching pain. “Want some company?” Her face scrunches and I roll my eyes.
“Get your ass in here, Hayls. I don’twantyou. Ineedyou.”
She shuts the door behind her and skips to the end of my bed but doesn’t come any closer, confusing me until she pouts.“I should be mad at you,” she scolds, her cute little button nose scrunching again.
“Oh, yeah? And why is that?”
“Because you were supposed to stay away. I begged you and you ignored me.” Her expression turns serious, but I can’t be serious right now. I need to keep things light or I’m likely to fall apart.
“That I did.” I nod. “And I stand by that decision.”
“You could have died, Reed.”
“Better me than you, Hayls. And that will always be the case.”
