Page 145 of Halo

Everything inside me stops. The blood drains from my face as a high-pitched hum fills my ears, swallowing the sounds around me.

“Is Grady okay?”

“He’s awake and receiving medical care at this time.”

I grip the edges of the desk, my body suddenly motionless and docile. “Th-that's not what I asked. Is my son okay?”

There's a brief pause. “He is stable at this time, but the physician would like to speak with you in person as soon as possible.”

Stable.

Not fucking good enough.

My heart slams against my ribs as every little piece of Grady rapidly fires through my head.

The way he whistles when he talks with his toothless smile.

The way he always—always—reaches for my hand.

The way he loves to read with me.

And style his hair with me.

And have matching socks as me.

My beautiful boy was put in danger.

“And Tiffany?” I ask.

“She’s also being evaluated. Mr. Crawford, I do need to advise you that law enforcement is investigating her for driving under the influence.”

For a second, I’m not sure I heard her correctly.

“Under the—” My voice catches. “She was fucking drunk?”

“I don’t have all the details—”

“I’m already in the building,” I growl, badging out of my workstation, nearly knocking my chair over as I turn for the door. “I’ll be downstairs in less than a minute.”

I end the call and run.

Two minutes ago, I was completely clueless, completely unaware that my whole world was in jeopardy, that there was even a question of whether my son was okay.

Now there’s only one thought pounding through my head with every step.

Please don’t take my kid from me.

Not another one.

I tear down the stairwell, taking the steps two at a time. My lungs burn as I push through the doors of the emergency department, my hear beating somewhere in my throat.

“I’m here for Grady Stone.” I brace both hands against the front desk. “He was brought in from an MVA.”

The nurse looks up, recognition immediately crossing her face. “Dr. Crawford, what are you—”

“He’s my son. Grady Stone. Where is he?”

Her fingers move across the keyboard before she shakes her head. “His chart is restricted. I can’t access anything from here—”