passenger side of his car, get in, and we peel out of there, using the backroads just as the police cars, the ambulance, and firetruck pull up.
We drive in silence for a while, then Cole sighs, glancing briefly at me.
“Listen man, for what it’s worth, I don’t think she was lying.”
“That’s what’s messing me up,” I admit after a few seconds. She might not have lied, but she sure as hell is responsible for what happened tonight. One way or the other, she’s fucking connected.
“Liam wasn’t supposed to race tonight,” I say as we head to hospital, where we’ll wait for my brother to arrive. And he better be alive. “I’m the one who was supposed to be in that car tonight.”
Cole and I glance at each other and he shakes his head, looking back at the road.
“You think someone did this.” It’s not a question. We both know it’s true. Someone did do this.
“Liam said the word bomb before he passed out. He was conscious when that bitch got to him.”
“Fuck, dude.” Cole whistles. “Then that means—”
“Whoever planted that bomb wanted me out,” I finish, glancing out the window as an image of fucking Shane Matthews and Mia plays in my head over and over, alarms ringing in my head.
The fact that she parked her shit car right where EVERYONE knows I park my car.
The way she acted clueless and confused when I rolled down my window.
The way she was all close and cozy with that fucking asshole, laughing at the shit he was whispering in her ear.
“They were after me.”
15
JULIAN
She’s in the waiting room when Cole and I get to the hospital. I don’t bother walking toward her when she stands up, as if waiting for me to say something to her. To thank her for what she did or some shit.
Silently, I pass her, trying to suppress the flare of anger that’s rising in me. I don’t know what she sees on my face, but she backs away, slowly, a silent gasp leaving her lips.
“My brother was brought in here a few minutes ago, tell me where he is,” I grit out to the nurse. I don’t have time for pleasantries or to sugar coat my words.
“And who might your brother be?” the older nurse questions with a frown marring her older features. She obviously doesn’t give a flying fuck about my attitude. We both know that she holds all the cards here.
“Julian,” Mia starts, that’s when I realize she followed me, but I ignore her.
“Liam Fitzgerald,” I say to the nurse. “He was just brought in. I’m his brother and I demand to see him right now.”
“Sir, please calm down,” the nurse chides, typing something on her computer.
“Don’t tell me to calm down,” I growl low in my chest. Cole steps forward, but I shoot him a look and he stops in his tracks. I don’t need a babysitter right now. I just need to know where they have my brother or I’ll set this whole place on fire.
“Julian, for Pete’s sake!” Mia stomps her foot, frustrated, and pissed as hell. “I’m talking to you.”
“What?” I growl, glancing at her. “Can’t handle it when you’re not the center of attention?”
I’m trying my best to stay composed but the blood on her clothes is pushing me to the limits. Where did that blood come from?
“I don’t give a damn about your fucked up attention,” she huffs, rolling her eyes, dried tears on her cheeks.
“You sure about that?” I size her up from her hair that’s now wrapped in a messy bun to her white Vans with crimson red stains. Blood. My brother’s blood.
“Listen, I need to talk to you.” She sighs, watching me. She’s got a fucking spine of steel, I’ll give her that.
“Excuse me, young man,” the nurse calls, effectively stopping me from saying shit that she and I will both regret. “Your brother is in the E.R. right now. No visitors until his next of kin arrives.”
“His next of kin?” I reel back. “Did you miss the part where I said I’m his older brother?”
“Yes, but you’re not his power of attorney, Mr. Fitzgerald.” The nurse says, her voice monotone and bored. “That would have to be your parents, well, one of them. If they’re not in the news—”
What the fuck? My family’s in the news? Again?
I can see the judgement and curiosity in her eyes like she just met one of the Kardashians.
“Listen here, saggy face with your dusty—” I start but before I