“Keep it on. We’re not alone out here. Pretend to fumble with the straps until we get in the elevator.” I nodded and followed along beside him. There were a few people in the parking garage, but luckily, we were able to get in the elevator by ourselves. Once inside, he helped me with the helmet and pulled it off.
“Here, put this on,” he said, handing me a baseball cap from his back pocket. “We don’t want anyone recognizing you.”
I snorted and slid it down on my head. “I doubt they could anyway. I look like death.”
The elevator doors opened and we stepped out. I already knew where to go. My heart sped up the closer we got to Nick’s room.
A voice called out. “Hadley?”
I gasped and jerked around. Tristan Abernathy stood in the doorway of the waiting room with the rest of the hockey team spread out behind him, dressed in their jerseys and lounging in chairs. Tristan looked worse than any of them. His dirty blond hair was unkempt and he looked exhausted.
“Tristan,” I breathed.
“Where have you been? We were all worried about you.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I’m in protective custody. I’m not supposed to be here, but I had to see Nick.”
He held me close, burying his face in my hair. His chest shook and it broke my heart. “He doesn’t look good, Hads. What if he doesn’t make it?”
“We have to believe he will.” Once he let me go, Kip and Dawson, two of my favorites on the hockey team, stole me away and I threw an arm around them both. They were twins, both with dark brown hair and blue eyes. “I’m going to miss you guys so much.”
“We’re not going anywhere, sweetheart,” Kip assured me.
Swallowing hard, I stepped back. “But I am, and I don’t know when I’ll be back.”
“Where are you going?” Tristan asked, placing a hand on my shoulder. I glanced over at Logan, who shook his head.
“I can’t say,” I said, looking up at Tristan. “It’s for my protection.”
“When will you be back?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“We’re running out of time, Hadley,” Logan called.
Nodding once, I walked to the door and then faced the team. “Good luck at the games, guys. I won’t physically be there, but know I’ll be watching.” I hugged Tristan one more time. “I’ll find a way to keep in touch, okay? I’m hoping they’ll catch this bastard soon, so I can come home.”
Logan walked with me to the end of the hall, to Nick’s closed door. Taking a deep breath, I held onto the doorknob, afraid of what I’d see on the other side. I closed my eyes and felt warm tears fall down my cheeks.
“You have five minutes,” Logan murmured.
I blew out a breath and opened the door, letting it shut quietly behind me. The TV was on, but I could barely hear the sound from the pounding in my ears. Felicity was asleep in the corner, a box of tissues on her lap, snoring lightly. The curtain blocked Nick from sight. Taking a few steps into the room, he came into view and I covered my eyes with my hands. He was so pale and definitely didn’t look like the vibrant jokester I knew him to be.
Taking a moment to collect myself, I breathed deep and made my way to the bed. “Nick?” I whispered, clasping my fingers gently through his. I thought I’d get a response, but there was nothing. He was so still. My heart broke, and I hated myself more than ever. I’d lost Scott and there was a possibility I’d lose him too . . . all of this because of me, for my protection.
What would I do without him?
“I’m sorry, Nick. I’m so, so sorry. I’d give anything to take back time.” I held his hand to my face, my tears soaking his skin.
“You’re here,” Felicity said.
I glanced over my shoulder. “Hey. Sorry for waking you. I can’t stay long, but I had to stop by.”
She slowly got to her feet and a handful of used tissues fell to the floor. I hated having to leave her. “Do you have to go back to the station?” she asked.
I turned my focus back to Nick, swallowing the large lump in my throat. I had to tell her the truth. “No. I have to go away for awhile. I didn’t want to tell you over the phone.”
“Where are you going?”