Double Full (Nice Guys 1)

“You believe his father would want to harm you?” Jace looked straight at the officer.

“Absolutely. He’s already done something like this before,” Jace whispered the words. “To keep us apart,” he said as an afterthought. Fuck what should or shouldn’t he say? Colt’s father had taken this too far. A woman walked in, distracting the officers, but Jace could think of little more than how in the world he could protect Colt from a crazed lunatic who was technically his next of kin.

“Officers,” she said.

“Dr. Nguyen,” they both acknowledged in unison. Her serious gaze focused on Jace as she extended a hand. “Are you his family?” She had a warm smile and inviting tone. The comfort she so easily extended had all the questions Jace held back since entering the room tumbling out.

“How is he?” Jace asked and turned away from the officers, following the doctor back the few steps to Colt’s bed. His spine slowly began to buck up. What would happen if Colt’s father got involved? He truly was Colt’s next of kin. Jace had to figure out how to stop this somehow. The truth seemed the only way he could see. Could court injunctions stop his father’s involvement until the investigation could prove he’d done this?

“He’s in critical, but stable condition,” she said. Jace surveyed Colt’s body and chose his left side to stand by.

“What exactly are his injuries?” Jace asked, gently picking up Colt’s hand and lacing their fingers together. He made sure not to move any part of Colt’s strapped down arm as he rubbed his thumb softly back and forth across Colt’s knuckles.

“What is his name?” she asked, offering him the same kind smile.

“Colt Michaels,” Jace said.

“Mr. Michaels has three fractured ribs and a punctured lung. He has a femoral fracture of his left leg and suffered substantial blood loss due most likely to the severity of the compound fractures he sustained to both his legs as well as his right arm. All required immediate surgery. He seems to have handled the surgery like a pro. Everything’s set, with the exception of his right arm. It has breaks at the wrist, his upper arm, and forearm. Our goal was to get him stable before we look at those options. He’s under heavy sedation to help the multiple…” She efficiently ticked off a laundry list of injuries. After the first dozen, Jace lost count, and his attention settled back on Colt’s face. Please don’t die.

“He’s a quarterback for the New York Panthers,” Jace said lamely when she finally stopped talking, wondering how Colt could ever recover if he did live.

“Colton Michaels, MVP. I knew I knew the guy!” Officer Laemoa finally spoke. His island accent more pronounced as he said the unguarded words.

“I need to make a phone call,” Jace announced quietly as the attitude in the room changed with the recognition of what they were dealing with formed.

“Mr. Montgomery, what are your plans, sir? It would be better for everyone involved if you stayed put,” Officer Laemoa advised.

“I don’t plan on leaving,” Jace said. Officer Kahala began writing in earnest on his note pad. The other officer picked up his hand-held as he nodded at Jace. He left the room with the doctor. Jace palmed his phone, keeping hold of Colt’s fingers. His only contact in Colt’s life was the cheerleading coach who’d worked with him when his teams were invited to perform in New York. Jace scrolled through his contacts, selecting her name, or what he hoped was her and pressed call. Shelly answered on the first ring.

“Hey, you.”

“Hi, Shelly, I need help,” Jace said, clearing his throat as he tried to use a normal tone of voice.

“You don’t sound very good,” she said, her normal bubbly tone now bordering on concerned as she identified the fear in Jace’s tone. Damn, he hadn’t hidden the worry like he’d hoped.

“I’m not good. I need to get in touch with your team’s head physician. I don’t know his name, but the one over everything,” Jace said.

“That would be Dr. Knox,” she said.

“Yes, him! Can you reach him?” he asked. That was the name Colt used, Dr. Knox. Please don’t let Dr. Knox suck!

“I can try,” Shelly hesitated.

“Shelly, I need him right away. It’s urgent,” Jace said.

“Do I tell him anything?” Jace paused at her question. Did he dare say anything? Shit, they were back to hiding. He didn’t even understand this hiding world. Fuck, he hated this.

“I… I can’t,” he stammered.

“Jace, let me see what I can do.”

“Thanks, Shelly,” Jace said, relieved. He disconnected the call and looked around the small room. For the first time since he stepped foot inside this room, they were alone. He assumed they left to give him privacy for his call. Jace didn’t care why he was alone, just that he was, and he moved closer to Colt, leaning down till his face was only inches from the man he loved. He took in every bump, bruise, and cut on his lover’s battered face. His tears welled, spilling over. He couldn’t hold back his emotions any longer.

“I love you, and I’m so sorry. It should’ve been me, not you. You have to pull through this, Colt, you just have to.” Tears fell on Colt’s bruised cheek, and he gently used his thumb to wipe them away.

“I’m here. I’ll be right here. I’m not leaving your side, baby. I’m gonna figure this out and keep anyone from hurting you more than they already have.” Jace never let go of Colt’s hand, but extended an arm and pulled the hospital chair next to the bed. The chair made a loud scrape across the floor, and he looked toward the door to see if anyone noticed. It wasn’t minutes since he hung up with Shelly before his phone rang, and he answered on the first ring. His eyes stayed glued to Colt.

“This is Dr. Knox. I’ve been given this number.”

“Sir, I’m Jace Montgomery, and I’m here with Colton Michaels.”

“I’m listening,” the doctor said. He could hear concern, but he gave nothing away, and yet, somehow gave him hope. Jace prayed he’d gotten this right.