Page 101 of Use Me
“Don’t you need to get back to work?” I didn’t want her to go, but we’d left in a hurry, and I didn’t tell anyone.
“I called Leonard and told him what’s going on. They told me to stay and take care of you.”
I sighed, and my throat started to close again. “Thank you.” We were all silent again, sipping our coffees when another thought occurred to me. “What about Rhys’s work? Isn’t the game on?”
“I took care of it,” Kenny stated.
I nodded and took a sip of my coffee. It tasted like shit, but at least it gave me something to do while we waited.
Finally, a doctor came out. “Family members for O’Neill.”
You could physically hear and feel the five of us sag in our seats.
“Why is it taking so long?” Claire asked.
Andy patted her knee. “Let’s look at it as a good thing. They are still working on him, so he’s not dead.”
My heart clenched at his words.
“Don’t say that, Andy!” Claire exclaimed.
“I’m just saying to think positive.”
“I just want to know he’s okay,” she replied.
I looked at Abby and Kenny. He had his arm wrapped around her shoulder, and her head was resting on his. Why couldn’t that be Rhys and me right now? I’d do anything to be in his arms and to know everything’s okay. Instead, the love of my life might be fighting for his, and I might never get to hold him again.
As we continued waiting, two detectives arrived. “Mr. and Mrs. Cole?” the male cop greeted.
“Yes?” Andy spoke.
“We’re Detectives Coulson and Bailey,” Detective Coulson flashed his badge, and then Detective Bailey showed us hers. “We’re investigating the shooting of your son,” he said.
“Do you know what happened?” Andy asked.
“Witnesses say that he was shot by a white male driving a red Mustang. Do you know any men who fit that description?” They glanced over at me, and I stood.
“I don’t think he knows anyone who drives that car, but we don’t really know,” Andy stated.
“I do.”
Everyone turned to me. “Your brother, Detective Valor, mentioned that it may be your ex. Is that true?” Coulson asked.
“Yes, they have a history, and Corey does drive a Mustang.”
“We’ve sent a team over to his apartment. We should know more in an hour or so.”
“Do you really think that douche shot him?” Kenny asked.
“He’s been texting me, and a few weeks ago Rhys told him to leave me alone. He mentioned something about stopping us from being together, but I didn’t think he’d try to kill him.”
“Is there anyone else you can think of?” Detective Bailey asked.
All of us shook our heads.
“Okay,” Coulson noted. “We’ll follow up on Mr. Pritchett, and if you think of anything else, call us.” He handed us his business card.
“Thank you, detectives.” Claire finally spoke up.
