Page 48 of Galen's Redemption
“It’s Bree. She approached me on the street asking for money, but I don’t think she knew who I was. She’s strung out, hasn’t showered, her hair is matted. She’s in bad shape.”
Noel called out to Lincoln. A moment later, he was back on the line. “I canbe there in twenty.”
“I hate to ask, but can you pick us up? She’s laying on the pavement, and I’m holding her. People are starting to look.” He rattled off the address. “Please hurry.”
“Okay, I’ll be there in five.”
He hung up, and Robert turned his attention back to Bree. She was supposed to be in the treatment facility. Why the hell was she out on the streets panhandling? That would be somethinghe’d have to address once he got her to the hospital. He cradled her to his chest, doing his best to ignore the whispers of people as they hurried by. If he thought even one of them would ask if Bree was okay, he was wrong.
A few minutes later, Noel pulled up to the curb. He hopped out of the car, his face a mask of concern. They didn’t talk; there was no need. He and Noel had done this before.Robert slipped his arms under Bree’s, and Noel grabbed her legs. They picked her up and got her into the car, doing their best not to jostle her. When she groaned, Robert turned her head in case she threw up.
The door in front slammed, and Noel turned. “Hospital?”
“Yeah.”
“I thought she was in rehab.”
“She was supposed to be. I’m going to be talking to someone about this.”
Noel gripped thewheel until his knuckles were white, then muttered something before he pulled out into traffic.
Bree groaned, and Robert’s heart cracked. He’d promised he would get her help. Swore to her. And now? They were in a worse place than before. He smoothed the wrinkles from her forehead and whispered to her that she’d be okay. He closed his eyes and sent up a silent entreaty to the universe, beggingfor them to spare this life.
He hoped someone was listening as he prayed.
