Page 57 of Erik's Redemption
Hannah traileda finger down a vein on the back of Erik’s hand. The air was so thick and heavy around her it was almost hard to breathe. Her heart hurt at the pain and uncertainty on everyone’s faces. All she wanted to do was make it better. Butthere was nothing that would make things better except Michael waking up.
As Andi stepped out to take a call, Hannah’s own phone beeped with a text. She pulled it out to see her best friend’s name.
Brigid: I’ve been trying to hold off messaging because I didn’t want to disturb you guys, but how’s Michael? Is he okay?
Hannah: Concussion and a few breaks in his arm. He fell off a ladder. Hopefully, he’ll wake up soon.
Hannah was crossing every finger and toe because this family needed to see his eyes and hear his voice to reassure themselves he was all right. Hell,sheneeded the same.
Brigid: I’ll keep everyone in my thoughts. Let me know if you need anything.
A small smile touched Hannah’s lips. She was again reminded of how grateful she was to have her best friend.
When Erik’s phone rang, he tugged it out, and she saw Rachel’s name flash on the screen. He canceled the call and slid the cell back into his pocket. Rachel was his oldest friend from the military. She checked in on him every so often.
Hannah was about to push her own phone back into her pocket when another text came through. She expected it to be from Brigid. Or possibly Henry, because she was sure Brigid would have told him what had happened.
It was neither of them.
Unknown number: No one truly gets away with murder. No one.
Her skin chilled, her breath catching in her throat.
She hadn’t heard from this person in weeks, and with everything else she’d had going on, a part of her had almost forgotten…almost.
Her fingers began to shake, and for a moment, the walls around her felt like they were closing in.
“Hey.”
She clicked out of the text and looked up to see Erik frowning at her, concern on his features.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Yes.” The word came too quickly. But she couldn’t tell him what was going on when he had so much else to deal with. There was no part of her that was willing to drop this on him now.
He watched her closely, his brows slashed together. Before he could say anything, the door opened and Andi walked back in.
“I just got off the phone with Nate. He’s requesting emergency leave.” She came to stand behind her mother. “No change?”
Jennifer was just shaking her head when a low groan sounded from the bed. Everyone straightened, and she heard Erik’s sharp inhale. There was a second small groan as Michael’s head turned, his face scrunched in pain or confusion, and finally, he opened his eyes.
“Oh, darling, you’re awake!” Jennifer said, leaning over the bed and taking her husband’s hand.
“What happened?” he asked slowly.
“You climbed the ladder that Erik and I told you not to climb,” Jennifer said, tears glistening in her eyes. “You fell, hit your head, and broke your arm in a couple of places.”
Pain laced his features. And something else. Regret, maybe? “I’m sorry. I…”
He stopped, like the words were too hard to speak.
Andi leaned down and pressed a kiss to her father’s head. “Dad. We love you. And we need you to look after yourself.”
“I know. I’ve just found this heart thing harder to deal with than I thought.”
The conversation felt intimate. As Erik moved closer to the bed, Hannah quietly crept out of the room. So many emotionsroiled inside her. Relief that Michael was awake, and it looked like he’d be okay. But also something else…
Her gaze flicked to her phone. Someone knew what she’d done all those years ago. Someone who was using it against her and continuing to harass her. Did they have evidence? Had the body finally been found?
