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When I shot him a confused look, he pulled out his phone, handing it to me. “I told you my phone was missing, remember? I found it with Gunner’s help. The guy who I was helping, who said he had a relapse? Apparently, he works for Hammer. He stole it from me and sent Sam messages when I was out grabbing him something to eat. I found them after I found my phone hiding in his nightstand.”
I scrolled through the messages, my lip lifted into a snarl. “Tell me he didn’t get away.”
A muscle jumped in Tyson’s jaw, and he scowled. “He didn’t. After I pummeled his ass into the ground, Gunner called a few people and they took him away. I don’t know where, but they promised me he’d be dealt with.”
Since I wasn’t about to tell him where they took the guy, I handed him back his phone and nodded. “He will be. And it’s not your fault. They used you to get to her because they wanted to get back at me. You were a pawn. Don’t blame yourself.”
He sighed. “Yeah, maybe, but she never would’ve left the clubhouse if it wasn’t for me. I should’ve paid more attention. We check in every few hours. I should’ve realized my phone was missing. I should’ve figured it out sooner.”
“You made a mistake. That doesn’t mean you’re at fault.”
He raised an eyebrow at me. “I could say the same thing about you.” When I scowled, he shook his head. “Listen. I’m not gonna say you didn’t have a part in this. We all did, in part, including Sam. She knew better than to leave on her own. She did it anyway. But we’re human. No one meant for this to happen. And if we’re busy blaming ourselves and pushing her away, she’s going to take on the brunt of the blame on herself and she’s done enough of that in her life. We gotta agree to let it pass and just be grateful that she’s alive, and she’s going to be okay.”
Running my hand through my head, I grimaced. “Yeah, maybe. But I can’t just walk away and let things be. I’ve got to make amends for what I did. It’s part of the program, isn’t it? Making amends for the shit that happened because of my problem?”
Something like pride lit on Tyson’s face. “Yeah. You’re saying you’re gonna get sober? For real this time?”
Blowing out a heavy breath, I let my gaze drift to the hallway where I knew Sam was. “Yeah. I’ll have to talk to Croy, figure out how I can do my shit without touching the product, but Reap sent Quinn’s mom to some place nearby. After I know Sam’s okay, I’ll have him send me the info.”
Tyson gripped my shoulder, a genuine smile on his face. “Good for you. I’m proud of you. Making that choice isn’t an easy one, and I know in your life it’s especially difficult.”
I shrugged, crossing my arms. “There’s no telling if Sam’ll forgive me, but she’s worth it.”
His eyes softened, and he patted my back. “She’ll forgive you. Trust me.”
* * *
Riley came out a little while later. She said they were keeping Sam overnight for observation, but she was doing okay. She was rattled and freaked out, but luckily the rape kit came back negative. The relief from that was so intense, I nearly dropped to my knees. Tyson had to keep me on my feet. I’d never been so choked up in my life, but this was the second time tonight that something nearly reduced me to tears.
“Can I see her?”
She smiled softly. “In a few minutes, yeah. They’re just moving her to a room. I’ll show you back once she’s settled.”
She went back to help them move Sam, but she kept her promise and came back to get us a few minutes later. She led us upstairs and to a room at the end, knocking quietly as she poked her head in.
“Hey. You’ve got visitors.”
When I stepped into the room and saw Sam in that bed, her face still pale and fearful, I had to fight back another wave of guilt. I wasn’t going to put that shit on her. I forced myself to smile, moving to sit on the edge of her bed.
“How you feelin’, honey?”
She lifted a shoulder, biting her lip. “A little better, I guess. I–” Her gaze shifted and locked on Tyson, and she frowned. “Are you okay?”
He tipped his head. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, you said you had a relapse. I’m sorry, I tried to get there to help you, but–”
The guilt I recognized flashed across his face and he sat down on her other side, taking her hand. “That wasn’t me, sweetheart. My phone was stolen while I was busy. They used it to lure you out.”
“Oh.” Her gaze dropped to her lap, and I knew she was blaming herself. Tyson could see it too, because he squeezed her hand gently.
“Hey. You’re not at fault here. And I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the fact that you came to help me. I couldn’t ask for a better friend.”
Her frown deepened, and when she looked up at him, she looked disappointed. “We’re not friends, Tyson. We’re family. You know I’ll always be there for you.”
His smile grew, and he leaned to hug her tightly. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
I gave them a minute, keeping my mouth shut, but when Tyson pulled back and Sam looked at me, I grimaced. I needed to apologize, but how the hell do you apologize for all the shit that’d happened.
