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“That’s no reason to fire him. He’s not even working on my case anymore. You are. I’m going to talk to Simon right now.” In the same breath, I turn toward the door, but Carly holds me back.

“It won’t do any good. Besides, it doesn’t matter right now.” Her eyes glaze over and tears spill out.

“What’s wrong, Carly?”

“Parker had an accident. Right outside the door. He . . . fell in front of a car. I don’t know any more details, unfortunately.”

My heart skips a beat and starts pounding so fast I’m afraid it’s going to burst out of my chest. “What?”

“The hospital called Ricky a few minutes ago. He’s his emergency contact, and he’s at the hospital now.”

“Which hospital?” I’m curt and in action mode.

“Sacred Hills. But . . . I’ll give you Ricky’s number so you can find him. Parker doesn’t have a cell phone anymore. Simon took that as well.”

Damn. Thank goodness Carly’s thinking on her feet. “Thanks.” I create a new contact in my phone.

Carly saves Ricky’s. “You already got my number. Call me in case you hear anything.”

“Okay.”

“Call me.” She rubs her eyes again.

Nodding, I turn around. I’m being rude. But I have to get to Parker.

Outside the agency, I jump into a taxi and pray for smooth traffic. As the city flashes by, thoughts race through my head. None of them make sense. They’re emotions, memories, fragments of my time with Parker. This can’t be true.

I call Ricky, but he doesn’t answer.

Of course.

I quickly type out a message.

This is Evan. I’m on my way to the hospital to see Parker. Where can I find you guys?

It takes a while before he replies.

Just as I get out of the car in front of the hospital, he tells me which floor to go to and describes the way there.

Without paying attention to anyone, I walk through the hallways. Despite my panic, I put on a cap and pull it down low over my eyes. But even that can’t protect me from the smell of disinfectant, stale air, and illness. I ignore it and keep walking.

The colored lines on the floor guide me through the various departments until I finally find myself in the trauma surgery ward.

Sweat is running down my back, and all I see are people.

Where’s Ricky?

A sort of waiting room is separated from the operating rooms by a heavy connecting door, according to the sign on it.

I call Ricky again, but he doesn’t pick up. This won’t do. In two strides I’m at the reception desk and wave to the nurse there. “Hello. I need to see Parker Watson.”

Ted, that’s what the name tag on his shirt says, doesn’t even lift his head, but keeps staring at his computer. “One moment, please.”

“Listen, . . . ”

“No. One moment, please.”

I bite my lip. My upper body is leaning over the counter, as if I’m trying to drag Ted out from behind it. He’s in no hurry.