Page 101 of Brutal Truths

I roll it around in my head, trying to figure that one out. “What I don’t get is how he knew that. He didn’t even know who Mr. Cygan was until today. So, who did he think was coming for him? What tipped him off?”

No answer jumps out at me, and that pisses me off. I’m so done with all these games.

Footsteps approach, pulling my focus toward the doctor from earlier as he walks up to us.

“Miss Doyle.”

“Not Doyle.” She corrects. “Call me Isabel.”

“Okay, Isabel.” He nods once. “We’ve finished our evaluation. Mr. Doyle has a blocked artery. We need to place a stent to open it. Dr. Boyd is prepping him now.”

“Thank you for letting me know.”

“Mr. Doyle also made a request.”

Isabel’s brows draw together. “What kind of request?”

“He’s asked that you be in the operating room with him. Refused to let us proceed unless you were there.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“Very.” He folds his hands in front of him. “We have another patient arriving in the next thirty minutes. Your friend called it in this time. Since we are short-staffed, and Mr. Doyle’s surgery will take at least forty-five minutes to an hour, it would be helpful if you agreed. It also means one of our own will oversee the incoming patient.”

“Tell me where to go.” Isabel is up and ready to get to work before she glances my way. “You okay with that?”

“Yep.” I give her a small nod. “I suggested it earlier. Not you doing Trent’s surgery but taking care of the next patient with Jen’s help.”

“I prefer this.” A flicker of hatred crosses her face. “Less chance I let that arsehole die out of spite.”

She reaches into her pocket and pulls out her phone. “Hold this for me. If Grams calls, I don’t want it to go unanswered. She’s probably wondering where I went. Just in case, I’d rather she talk to you. Is that okay?”

“Absolutely.” It disappears into my pocket. “I’ll call and check on her in a few.”

“Thank you.” A quick step closer, then her lips brush my cheek. “Love you.”

I growl and she smirks, knowing she’s killing me with those words when I can’t do anything about it.

“Love you too.”

The doctor looks slightly concerned about this decision, but motions for her to follow him.

As soon as they’re gone, I call Pauly.

“I’ve got a theory I need to run by you.”

“I was just about to ring you.”

“What’s going on?”

A pause on the other end tells me I’m not going to like this.

“Drake’s disappeared.” Pauly groans, displaying his frustration. “And Alma’s missing. I’m not sure he took her⁠—”

“Fuck.” The word comes out sharp. “He did. And I think I know why.”

Chapter 30

Aiden