Page 49 of Penalty Kill

Olli left Emma and Jackson when his depression hit an all-time low after his accident. He thought he was doing the right thing by staying away. He thought they deserved better than he could give them. It took a while, but he finally listened to me telling him they were stronger together.

My anger dissipated and I couldn’t help but smile. “Who put this together?”

“It was a joint effort. There were plenty of others who wanted to come with us, but we didn’t want this to turn into an intervention,” Hartman answered. “You’ve been there for all of us for years. Now it’s our turn to give the advice and make sure you don’t screw up your chance.”

I shook my head and stood to get some of the food. “Thanks, guys.”

“Hey, your phone’s ringing.” Reese tossed it to me.

I didn’t recognize the number and almost didn’t answer in case it was a reporter, but very few people had this number.

“Hello?”

“This is Officer Lanchin. Is this Brandon Cullen?”

“Yes?” Why was an officer calling me?

“There’s been an accident.”

I froze. The guys started saying my name and asking questions, but their voices blurred together.

“What happened?”

“Sydney Banks was in a car accident, I believe you sons were involved as well.”

“What?” I sank onto the bed. “Are they okay?”

“The boys are fine. They were taken to the hospital to be checked out.”

“And Sydney?”

There was a heavy pause. “She’s at the hospital as well.”

“Is she okay?” I demanded.

“I’m sorry, sir. I don’t know her status.”

“Is she alive?” I couldn’t believe I was saying these words.

“She was when they loaded her into the ambulance.”

That wasn’t comforting.

“What hospital?”

“The University.”

“I’m in San Diego, but I’m leaving now to get there.”

I hung up and raised my eyes to find them all watching me.

“Where are they?” Olli asked with his phone to his ear.

“University.” I barely got the word out before a sob broke out from deep within my chest.

“What’s going on? What happened?” Reese asked.

I shook my head as one tear then another rolled down my cheeks. I couldn't remember the last time I cried, but now it felt like I would never stop.