Page 44 of Hart of Vengeance
I shuddered as Denim’s words flickered like a bright light in a dark room.“Your sister is her own person. You can’t change her.”
But I could’ve helped her. I could’ve pushed harder to get her the money she needed like I had so many times in the past. I should’ve swallowed my hatred and reached out to Duke.
Argh! Duke!
My body shook like a magnitude ten earthquake. His name always conjured up images of me driving a stake through his heart. Maybe I should hunt him down. I knew where he lived, thanks to Savannah.
Despite the searing pangs of guilt in my gut, I knew Savannah couldn’t go back to prison, at least not the one she was in. She wouldn’t live an hour if she returned.
“If she makes it,”a voice in my head said.
Stop thinking the worst, Jade.
More tears fell.
A man wearing a yellow bandana around his head, blue scrubs, and a concerned expression walked in. “I’m Dr. Long. You must be Jade?”
Nodding, I came to an abrupt halt, blinking away tears and looking at him as though he were her savior. I prayed he was.
His dark eyes held sadness. “Your sister has a long road ahead of her. Her head injury is quite severe. The slit on her throat was deep, but a little deeper, and she wouldn’t have made it to the hospital. We were able to repair and stitch her up. I wish I had better news for you.”
I sobbed. “Will she wake up?”
“I’m not sure. Do you have anyone you can call? Family?”
Tears streamed down my face like a waterfall. “Our parents are dead.” I dashed away tears. “No one else is in town.”
“The next few hours are critical. You should get some rest. She’s in good hands here.”
I bit a nail. “Can I stay?” I didn’t want to go home to my depressing apartment. I wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway.
The doctor bowed his head. “I’ll let the security guard and the nurses know.”
I’d forgotten a guard had been posted outside to watch her. That should have made me feel better, but it didn’t.Where were those guards in the prison when Savannah was getting decimated?
I pulled out my phone. I needed to call Mallory and fill her in.
Dr. Long regarded me. “You will need to make your call outside. ICU policy.”
If I were going to be there all night, I needed caffeine anyway, or maybe a bottle of alcohol. “I’ll be back.”
As I left, the tightness in my chest became so constricting that I almost couldn’t breathe. Once I was near the elevator, I called Mallory.
She answered on the first ring. “Hey. I’m still at work, and my eyes are seeing double.”
I sobbed like a baby, holding my stomach.
“What’s wrong?” she asked. “Please tell me this has nothing to do with Denim.”
“Savannah is in a coma. She was beaten so badly, the doctor didn’t give me high hopes she’ll make it. It’s all my fault. I should’ve gotten her the money. I should’ve done something.”
“Where are you? I’m coming.” She sounded frantic.
“You can’t. Only family is allowed in ICU. I should’ve helped her, Mal. I should’ve found the money.”
“I don’t give a shit. What hospital?”
“Mass General,” I said as a female voice blared through the intercom.
