Page 68 of Something’s Brewing

“Thank you.” He exhaled for what felt like the first time since he’d seen the wreck.

Chloe placed a hand on Roxie’s arm. “Do you know if Madison will need dry clothes? I’ve brought some if she needs them.”

“That’s sweet, but no, the nurses already gave her scrubs to change into.”

Garrett held up the bag. “I’m going to go change.”

“Good idea,” Roxie said. “I’ll come get you when she’s back.”

By the time Garrett returned to the waiting room, his family and several friends had gathered. His mom and dad sat together looking grim. Kate and Chloe spoke quietly with Paige and Ethan.

Madison would hate this much fuss. She liked handling things herself without becoming the center of attention.

A little while later, Roxie walked Garrett to Madison’s room. Madison’s dark hair was still damp around her temples from the rain. The oversized hospital scrubs somehow made her look even smaller sitting on the bed.

“How are you feeling?” he asked her.

“Like I lost a fight with a tree.”

“You technically did,” he muttered.

Before they could say anything else, there was a knock on the partially open door.

Nick stepped inside. The look on his face immediately wiped away the brief moment of relief Garrett had felt when he knew Madison would be okay.

“How are you feeling?” Nick asked.

“Okay,” she said. “Ready to get out of here.”

“Mind if I ask you a few questions?”

She nodded. “Did you find the truck?”

Nick shook his head. “Not yet, but I notified the State Patrol. They’re keeping an eye out for a black truck with front-end damage. What else can you tell me? Why were you out tonight?”

“I got a text.”

“What text?” Garrett asked.

She took her phone from the tray table beside the bed and unlocked the screen. “Someone messaged me saying they had proof and wanted to meet.”

Nick took the phone from her hand, reading the message. The lines around his mouth deepened. “Unknown number,” he muttered.

Garrett swore under his breath.

Madison studied Nick. “That’s not all, is it.”

“No. On a hunch I went by the condo. The door was open.” He paused. “The place was trashed.”

“What?” Madison shoved the blanket aside and swung her legs off the bed too quickly.

Garrett caught her before she could stumble, gripping her waist. “Easy.”

“I need to get over there,” she said.

“You’re not going anywhere tonight,” he said firmly.

“I’m fine.”