Page 78 of Contentious

“I know, honey, I am, too, but we have to stay strong for Carson. I need to make a quick call, okay?”

“Okay.”

Her hands trembled as she called Marlene. “I’m so sorry to bother you so late, but I need you.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Something’s happened, and I need you to come stay with Ty.”

“I’m on my way.”

It would take Marlene at least twenty minutes to get there from her home in Brentwood.

“Stay here, Ty. I’ll be right back.” She left him sitting on the sofa and returned to the yard to see what was happening.

Carson was on a stretcher with paramedics working frantically as they rushed him out of the yard toward the waiting ambulance.

“What’re they saying?” she asked the guy with the acne.

“Multiple stab wounds. Significant blood loss.”

“Oh God. Where’re they taking him?”

“Cedars. I’m staying here with you.”

“I’m going to him!”

“I’ll drive you.”

“I’ll meet you out front.” She rushed back inside to find Ty dressed and waiting for her. “What’re you doing?”

“I’m going with you.”

“You should stay here with Marlene.”

“She can come with us, but I’m going. He’s my friend, too.”

She wanted to protect him, but she didn’t have the energy to argue with him. And besides, he was right. Carson was his friend, too.

“Bring something to do. It’s apt to be a long wait.”

“I don’t need anything. I’ll be fine.”

Marlene arrived ten minutes later. The young man drove them to the hospital in Cresley’s SUV, driving much faster than he should have, but she didn’t ask him to slow down. She appreciated that he understood the urgency.

“What do you know?” Marlene asked as they held hands with Ty, who sat between them in the back seat.

“The officer said multiple stab wounds and significant blood loss.”

Ty whimpered.

“I’ll see what I can find out.” Marlene released Ty’s hand and got on her phone to do what she did best. “Should you let Julian know?”

Cresley couldn’t bear to think of making that call, of having to tell Julian his brother had been gravely injured while trying to protect her. Tears rolled down her face as she found his contact in her phone and placed the call.

“Hey, Cresley. What’s up?”

“Julian…”