Page 44 of You Know Why

She is so pale. Tied to all the machines, the bruises on her face, the bandage wrapped around her head . . . He has no idea what her prognosis is, whether she is going to live or die, and that uncertainty is breaking him in two. It’s not as if he can simply walk up to the nurses and inquire without identifying himself. The charting system is electronic and too complicated to hack.

Knowing Brooklyn might be a casualty of his stupidity, that history could be repeating itself, fills him with fury. He’d been so careful. He’d done everything that was asked of him, and more. His whole life, that’s all he’s done. He took orders from his father. His commanding officers. His employers. And after Chloe was murdered, he never dared step out of line again.

Until now. Brooklyn, with her strength, her cunning, her ability to see right through him . . . he couldn’t keep things hidden from her.

No, he hadn’t overreacted. He’d been given a warning, and he’d done the only thing he could have—he acted to save his family. He thought he’d gotten them out in time, but he was wrong. He should have known Brook wouldn’t give up on him so easily. He thought she was safe, but she’d gotten off the plane and tried to find him. She fought for him. And now look at her.

He thought he had it all under control.

He was wrong.

All he wants is to break free.

They were so close.

But who is he kidding? Now it’s clear they were on him from the start.

Beep . . . beep hiss . . . He leans close.

“Brook? Brooklyn, honey, can you hear me?”

Beep.

“I am so sorry. I tried to get to you. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”

Beep . . . beep hiss . . .

“Baby, please, open your eyes.”

Beep . . .

“I will fix this. I swear it.”

Beep . . . beep hiss . . .

“God, Brook, you’re so pale.”

Beep . . .

“Please, honey, please wake up.”

Beep . . . beep hiss . . .

“We need you. The kids need you.”

Beep . . .

“I need you.”

Beep . . . beep hiss . . .

“I love you. I didn’t do what they say I did. I swear to you.”

Beep . . .

“Brook, please. I can’t lose you. I can’t lose you, too.”

Beep . . . beep hiss . . .