Page 64 of Penalty Kill

I picked up a black heel and threw it against the wall.

I’m such an idiot.

I tossed the last few items in my suitcase and zipped it shut. I needed to leave. I had to get out of here. I refused to cry. I wouldn’t let him get to me.

With both my bags ready, I pulled my backpack over my shoulders and headed out. I closed the pool house doors behind me for the last time and took the side path around to the front of the house. I couldn’t bear to go in the main house again. This morning, I put cards on each of the boys’ beds. I knew it wouldn’t do much to lessen the hurt or confusion, but I was selfish and wanted them to have something to remember me by. I put my resignation letter on the desk in the office. Brandon could throw them all away later.

My taxi was already waiting for me, so I loaded my bags in the trunk and climbed in.

“Salt Lake Airport, please.”

The driver nodded and pulled out of the driveway. I didn’t let myself watch as we left the neighborhood. I focused all my attention on outlining the zippers on my backpack. Every thought that popped in my head was pushed out as I traced over and over.

Once we got on the freeway, I relaxed. It was a short drive to the airport, and I’d feel better once I was there. That would make it real. I could look forward to Iceland. To starting my next chapter.

My phone vibrated, and I pulled it out of the side pocket. Emma was calling. She didn’t know I was leaving today, no one did, but I still didn’t want to answer. I didn’t want anyone trying to talk me out of this.

I silenced it and stared straight ahead.

It vibrated again and Emma’s name flashed on the screen. Was it an emergency? Something with the boys?

I shook my head. They weren’t my responsibility anymore.

Seconds later a text came through. Call me asap. Chloe’s in the hospital. Asking for you.

My heart dropped. What happened to her? Was something wrong with the baby? Why was she asking for me?

We were only two exits away from the airport. I could ignore it all and just leave. There were plenty of people to take care of Chloe. She would be fine.

I closed my eyes. She’d been there for me from the beginning. She took me in, made me a part of the Fury family. She took time off work to be there for me while I recovered. She stayed at my bedside and kept me company. She encouraged me to stay strong and pushed me to get up and moving when I could. When it hurt, she told me I would get through it. That one day it would be over and I’d be stronger for it.

Could I really turn my back on her when she needed me? What kind of person did that make me?

More selfish than I was comfortable with, for one. I’d regret it forever.

“Can you please turn around? I need to get to the hospital.”

The driver glanced over his shoulder. “Are you ill?”

“No, my friend needs me.”

“Okay.” He got off on the next exit and headed back to downtown.

I called Emma and cringed at the panic in her voice. “Are you on your way?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there in a few minutes. What’s going on?”

“Preeclampsia. They gave her a steroid to help accelerate the growth of the baby’s lungs, and they’re trying to delay inducing labor for as long as possible. It’s not looking good, Syd. I think she’s going to have him today.”

“She’s only at thirty-one weeks.” I couldn’t believe this was happening.

“I know. Let me know when you’re here, and I’ll come get you.”

I hung up and stared out the window, willing the driver to go faster. I still wasn’t sure why Chloe wanted me there. I had zero experience with pregnancy or birth, but it didn’t matter. She was my friend and took care of me when I needed it. She didn’t know anything about fractured pelvic bones—well maybe one of the guys had an injury like that before—but she also helped me cope with the reality of the hysterectomy.

I might be a wanderer, but I’d never abandon anyone. I still had four hours until my flight. If she turned out to be fine, I might be able to make it.

As soon as we pulled up to the main entrance of the hospital, I realized I’d have to lug my suitcase around, and that would raise a lot of questions.