Page 186 of Between Secrets and Obsession
It’s not healthy for her to be so upset while pregnant, and although I don’t give two shits about her, I’m not going to let her use this to blame me for her going into preterm labor or anything, so I try to be civil and end the conversation. “I apologize for accusing you and sorry about all this. I have no idea who did it.”
“Thankfully, I have insurance on it,” she says without any compassion that Maddie got hurt. “Guess it’s not a complete loss.”
I roll my eyes. “The detectives are gonna do a full investigation, so I’ll let you know if I hear anything.”
“Alright, great. Well, I gotta go. You’ve wasted enough of my time already,” Victoria snaps before ending the call.
Frustrated, I shove my phone in my pocket, then walk back to the waiting room and see Sophie has returned. As soon as she sees me, she gives me a hug. I can tell she’s upset.
“They’re gonna move her into another room soon to observe her overnight. I’m so glad you’re okay. You could’ve died, Liam.” Sophie searches my face, and I place my hand on her shoulder.
“Soph, I’m fine. A little shaken up and anxious about Maddie, but I’m okay. And she’s gonna be okay too.” I try to console her and it seems to work because she sits down and places her head on Mason’s shoulder, who wraps his arms around her.
“What did Logan say?”
“Logan?” I ask. “Oh, Detective Knight. He told me to be careful and to call him if I think of anything that may help them find who did this.”
“It’s obvious this was intentional to kill you,” Hunter speaks up, Aaron asleep in his arms.
“Yeah, and that’s the scary part. Whoever it is knows where I live. Knows what I drive. I don’t think this is gonna be over anytime soon, and I need to get to the bottom of it so no one else gets hurt.” I can’t bring myself to make eye contact with them. It’s not only me who’s in danger, but my friends too.
A nurse explains they’re moving Maddie to the sixth floor of the hospital and gives us the room number. All of us make our way to the elevator, and once Lennon’s back, she tells Sophie they’ll need to go soon because Aaron’s getting cranky. We say our goodbyes, then Mason, Sophie, and I step inside.
Before we go into her room, Sophie stops me. “Do you think Victoria is behind this?”
“Not anymore. I called her, and she was pissed because she’d already sold it.”
“That’s frightening, Liam,” she says. “The enemy you know is always better than the one you don’t.”
“I know.” I let out a ragged breath and contemplate putting cameras outside the house. Perhaps one of those camera motion-sensor doorbells would be smart so if whoever did this returns, I’ll be able to see who it is.
Maddie’s bed is adjusted higher than before, and she grins when she sees us.
“How are you feeling?” I ask, brushing my fingers gently against her cheek.
“Like shit.” A small smile follows her words, and I offer to help adjust her pillow until she’s comfortable.
Sophie chats with Maddie, asking her what she remembers from today. It takes her a minute to recall walking outside with me.
“Wait, weren’t you gonna give me something? I imagine it wasn’t a cut to the head and a concussion,” she deadpans.
“I got you a T-shirt with a ballerina on it that I thought would look cute on you. I forgot it when I cleaned out my stuff."
She sticks out her bottom lip. “That’s sad. Do you think it’s ruined?”
Mason chuckles. “There’s nothing left but the tires and frame.”
Mason stands and stretches as Sophie yawns.
“You all should go. I’m pretty tired,” Maddie says.
“Are you sure?” Sophie asks. “We’ll stay here with you for a little while longer.”
“No, I’m good. I’ve had a long day,” she insists. “Plus hospitals suck. Those chairs can’t be cozy.”
Sophie shrugs. “Okay, if you’re sure that’s what you want.”
“I am. Go. I’ll be fine as long as they keep pumping me with the good stuff.” She closes her eyes tight, and I know it’s her head. I had a concussion a few times, and it was terrible. I was unable to focus, and felt disoriented and exhausted all at the same time.
