Page 20 of Crash Over Us
Jacob’s eyes filled with concern. “I don’t know, but I’m going to find out. First, let’s get you to Caleb’s room.”
I nodded and followed him past the police cars and ambulances. Past the officers. Past the sailors. We stopped in front of Caleb’s door.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to stay. I know you have to talk to your dad.”
Jacob leaned against the outside wall. “I promised Caleb I wouldn’t leave you alone.”
I smiled. “I swear it’s okay. I need to call Josie, and…” I didn’t want to fill in the blank with Ethan’s name, but I needed to let him know he could go back to the island motel. “Plus, I have clothes here. And a toothbrush.”
“Right. You sure?”
“I am.” I flipped up the light socket cover and retrieved Caleb’s hide-a-key he had left for me on nights when I snuck in by the beach. I turned the key in the lock.
“Okay. Well, I think I’ll just stay out here. You know in case.”
I cocked my head to the side. “In case?”
He shrugged, sliding his hands in his pockets. “I’ll give you your space to brush your teeth.” He chuckled. “But if Caleb gets tied up at medical or whatever, I’m here. Right outside the door until he gets back.”
I knew the O’Connor brothers were equally stubborn. I wasn’t going to convince Jacob to leave me until he knew I was safe with Caleb.
“Thank you.” I nodded. “And I’m glad we finally met tonight.”
“Me too. Goodnight, Margot.”
“Goodnight.” I closed the door behind me and turned on the lamp next to Caleb’s bed.
I pulled the phone out of my back pocket. I had two important calls to make.
ELEVEN
Caleb
I winced as I walked across the grounds toward my quarters. The new patch on my cheek was better than what had been dressed on the water, but the stitches pulled tight and hurt. There was a bottle of painkillers rattling in my pocket. I dropped them in the first trash can I saw. I didn’t want those things. I could take a few aspirin and get through it.
I spotted Jacob outside the door. “What are you doing out here?” I asked.
“I think she wanted a little space.” He straghtened his back. “I didn’t want to leave her alone. She was pretty shaken up, man.”
I nodded. “I could tell. How was she when she went inside?”
“Better.” He rested his hand on my shoulder. “I know you need sleep. But I do want to know what happened. You scared the hell out of me tonight.”
“Tell Mom not to worry. I’m okay.”
“You’ll call her tomorrow?” he pressed.
“I’ll go by and see her. How about that?” It would buy me some time with Margot.
He nodded. “Dad already headed out. He saw you in medical?”
“He did.” It wasn’t a long visit, but he supervised the stitches and made sure I knew exactly how many boats had been patrolling. What coordinates he used. What comms everyone used. Nights like tonight I wondered if he would sign a new contract with the Coast Guard.
“Any word on Gabe?”
“Not much. I know he’s at Pointe Harbor. He’s stable, at least, but he got knocked out pretty hard. Front and back hit to the skull.”
“Shit,” Jacob whistled.
