Page 68 of The Veteran
“Baker…?” I left the question hanging.
“He was dead before the ambulance arrived.”
I gulped. If I hadn’t lashed out at him with my black tourmaline crystal to distract him so Kade could take him down, he might still be alive. For a moment, it felt as though the weight of another death had descended onto my soul, but then I frowned and shook it off.
No. Baker had made his own choices, and the decisions he’d made had led to what happened in that warehouse. His death wasn’t my fault. All I’d done was try to protect myself and the man I loved. There was nothing wrong with that.
“I hope you don’t blame yourself.” Kade reclaimed my hand. “I can see there’s a lot going on in your head.”
I made a sound of surprise, startled by how well he could read me even though we’d only spent a relatively short time together. Not many people saw through my serene smile, and even fewer called me on it.
“I… don’t,” I said slowly. “And I’m starting to see that I never should have taken those other deaths onto my conscience. Dad was responsible for what happened to him. Whatever his reasons, he shouldn’t have gotten involved with those men, and he especially shouldn’t have tried to double-cross them. Mom’s death was an accident. Maybe you could say Dad was responsible, but I know he didn’t mean for it to happen. Craig’s job as a marshal was dangerous. He must have known that, but he chose to do it anyway. He risked himself to save me, and he was the kind of man who I don’t think would want me beating myself up over it.”
“Of course he wouldn’t,” Willow said. I sent her a small smile even though she’d never met Craig and was only saying it out of loyalty.
“What about Jessica?” Kade asked.
I sighed. “That was all Getty and Baker. I’m sorry for what happened to her. She didn’t deserve it. I hate how many people have lost their lives over this money.”
“Hey.” Kade gave me a tender look. “It’s over now,” he reminded me.
“Thank God for that,” Willow exclaimed.
I laughed, but before I had the chance to say anything, Kade’s phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket and accepted the call.
“Hi, Mom.” He paused. “She what? Great! I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He ended the call, his eyes sparkling. “Audrey just woke up.”
KADE
“I’m coming with you,” Sage said, struggling out of the hospital bed.
I stood, wanting to stop her but unsure how to do that without inadvertently hurting her.
“You’re not up to going anywhere,” I told her.
She narrowed her eyes as if to say, “wanna bet?” “I’m all stitched up and everything is being held in place. I can’t see any reason for me to stay here.”
“For observation,” I suggested.
She huffed. “Go get a doctor. If they tell me to stay then I’ll stay, but otherwise, I’m going.”
“Fine.” I stalked out into the corridor, certain that any doctor worth their salt would agree with me. Unfortunately, the one I brought back didn’t.
“You seem perfectly healthy,” they said. “Just pick up a prescription for more painkillers on the way out and check in with your doctor in a couple of weeks for an examination.”
Sage arched an eyebrow triumphantly. “Thank you.” Her tone was syrupy sweet. “I’ll do that.”
“Take care,” the doctor said, and left again, ignoring my glare burning into the back of her head.
“Here.” Willow passed Sage a small backpack. “I brought a change of clothes for you.”
To my horror, Sage started to tear up. She sniffled and pulled Willow into a hug. “Thanks, Will.” She released her friend and swiped at her eyes. “My emotions are leaking out of my face. I’m just so glad I have you two in my life.”
My heart clenched. Despite my frustration with her, I kissed her forehead. “We’re the lucky ones.”
We left the ward and walked together to the hospital exit, where Willow got into a car Ronan had sent for her. I led Sage around to the parking area. Ronan had left my car there earlier in the day.
“Thanks for coming to save me,” Sage said when we were seated in the car.