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Both covered in blood, they hauled ass across the courtyard. Beck had to ask, “Where’d you learn to throw fists like that?”
“After I left the force, I ran with people no one should.” He shrugged. “And I learned.”
Beck wasn’t sure what that meant or why it sounded so ominous. He dismissed it when they reached Heavenly’s door. “I don’t know if I want to wrap her in my arms or take her over my knee.”
“Both are in order. But you’re right. We have to get out of here now. What happens to Abel?”
“That man needs dedicated care. The VA had no business releasing him tonight. But I don’t have admitting privileges there, so objecting wouldn’t have done shit.” Beck sighed. “After we get out of here, I’ll make some calls and arrange a bed for him tonight. I have friends in neurology I’ll call tomorrow. They can help us piece together a longer-term care plan.”
“Great. And Heavenly?”
“I keep a condo near the hospital for the nights I’m on call. She can stay there.”
“I’ll help settle her in.”
Beck arched a brow, then shrugged. Better if they didn’t argue now. “Fine. Then tomorrow…”
“Tomorrow, we start making a few things clear to that stubborn woman.”
“Couldn’t agree more.” Beck shook his head as he smirked Seth’s way. “Look at us, getting along and shit.”
“Will miracles never cease?” Seth countered with a crooked grin. “Now let’s see how our girl is doing.”
Nerves buzzed like an angry beehive in Heavenly’s belly as she forced back a sniffle and grabbed the last of the clothes from the plastic chest. She shoved them into the mustard-colored suitcase her father had helped her pack when they’d left Wisconsin seven short months ago, seeking fresh hope out West.
That hope had already been snuffed out. She wasn’t sure where to go next.
The doctors here hadn’t cured her father. The cost of living had finally eaten away the last of their savings. And since she’d lacked the courage to pay her rent in the currency Mr. Sanchez demanded, he was going to evict them. What could she possibly tell her father? How was she going to take care of him now?
After everything she’d done to try to build a future for them, she’d failed.
A wave of defeat threatened her with a new splash of scalding tears. Heavenly sucked them back. There was no time for sorrow or self-pity, only for packing up, getting out, and trying to decide where she and Dad could go for the night. She’d heard homeless shelters were dangerous…but where else could she go?
Thankfully, her father slept, oblivious to the fact that in the ten minutes since she’d run across the courtyard like a coward, she’d managed to pack up most everything they owned. She shoved aside the memories of Mr. Sanchez’s mouth crawling up her neck as he yanked her shirt over her head, of his fingers violating her skin, of the vile things he’d whispered that he’d do to her before he let her leave his bed…
A shudder wracked her. She heaved, wishing she had time to shower. But she had to focus, be practical, stay strong.
Ten seconds, she promised herself. She would give herself ten precious ticks to cry, then she’d figure out how to carry on.
Her childhood flashed through her head. It had been so easy then. She’d had clothes and toys. She’d never worried where her next meal would come from or where she’d sleep at night. Mom had worked as a cashier at the grocery store. Dad had tended the farm. Summers had been sunny and idyllic, winters full of snowy adventure. Life had been carefree.
Today, most everything she owned fit in a single suitcase. She hadn’t eaten in more than twelve hours, and her stomach felt glued to her spine. She had no idea where she’d lay her head tonight.
What the hell was happening to her life?
Worse, what would happen tomorrow? No, later today. She’d still have no place to live, and her boss expected her at Bazookas or she’d lose the only job she had. Where would her father spend the hours while she waited tables? He couldn’t stay on the streets.
Even though her ten seconds were over, Heavenly fell to her knees, buried her face in her hands, and sobbed. Because as terrible as all those problems were, it hurt so much more knowing that Beck and Seth now knew every single one of her woes.
How long would it take them to make their excuses and bow out of her life?
Not long, she was sure. That’s how people were; she didn’t blame them.
Behind her, the door opened. Heavenly scrambled to her feet and swiped at her tears, not completely sure who she’d find standing in the portal. She breathed a sigh of relief that it wasn’t Sanchez.
Then she realized Seth’s shirt was soaked in blood. The legs of Beck’s pants and the toes of his shoes hadn’t fared much better. Had they beaten Sanchez up? She let loose a shaky breath. Was he still conscious? Alive?
