I gave him another hug. “I’m glad you’re okay.” Pulling back, I saw him blush as he nodded. “Let me know if any of you guys need anything. I saw Paul today after I visited Carson. He’s healing well, too.”
“Yes, he is. Sleep well, Ms. Russo.”
“Thank you, Andre. When it’s time for you to sleep, I hope you rest well, too.”
I headed back into the suite, changed into my pajamas, and washed my face. Andre was back. Paul was healing. Now, all we needed was Carson to wake up.
Mildred had sent several changes of clothes and my toiletries to the hospital when they initially set up camp here. It felt good to have my things. Heading back out to the main area, I folded the blanket and put up the empty waters from earlier.
My stomach growled. I should probably eat something. Bennett and Marie had stocked our fridge with food as well as given us cart-blanche access to room service.
A quick sandwich would be perfect. I set about making it, wondering when I would be able to fill Tack in. He still hadn’t made any contact, which worried me. What if he was hurt? Or in trouble? I pushed away those thoughts.
The sandwich tasted heavenly.
Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
An unknown number showed up on my display. I pushed Talk.
“Hello?”
“Willow, its Tack.”
Tack. He called me. Finally. The lilt of his voice was something I’d needed to hear more than I knew. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m sorry it took me a bit. It’s been a clusterfuck. I visited you in the hospital.”
It hadn’t been a dream. I felt warmth spread through me. “I kind of remember. I was pretty out of it. But the baby and I are okay.” Without thinking my hand went to my stomach.
“I know. I kept close tabs on you. I was scared shitless.”
“Me, too.” The hairs on my neck stood, and I looked around at the familiarity I felt. The area was empty. No one was here.
“Willow?”
My voice became a whisper. “Yes.”
“I need you to keep an open mind. We don’t have much time with the delayed recording on your phone.”
“O-o-okay.”
My heart sped up. What in the world did Tack need me to keep an open mind about?
There was a long sigh. Then his accent morphed into something familiar. “Promise me you’ll keep an open mind, sweetheart.”
“What happened to your Irish accent?”
My heart hammered in my chest again, and I knew my life was about to be turned upside down.
A few seconds passed before Tack said, “Remember… keep an open mind, sweetheart. Look toward the bedroom door.”
Goose bumps raced along my skin. My eyes darted to the bedroom door. A body appeared in the darkened doorway.
My body pulsed.
Adrenaline raced through my blood.
The body moved into the light.
Everything in me froze.
Nothing made sense.
How was this happening?
There was no way.
This is not happening.
Shocked, I whispered, “Alex?”