She gets straight to the point, her voice grave and serious. "After thorough testing, we have identified the substance that she ingested. It was a high dose of strychnine, an incredibly toxic poison with potential for severe and life-threatening consequences."
My jaw tightens.
"Luckily, it seems she only consumed a small amount. At higher doses, it can be lethal, but in this case, it was barely enough to cause a severe reaction."
Her words carry a heaviness that lingers in the space between us as I try to process the gravity of the situation. My mind raceswith thoughts of how easily things could have turned out much worse.
If mybest friendwasn’t already dead I’d have gladly shot him myself. Or strangled him to death. Carved him up like a fucking jack-o-lantern. That probably would have been more satisfying. “What does the recovery for something like this look like?” I ask.
“She will be fine within the next day or so,” the doctor says reassuringly. “She’s past the worst of it. With some rest and proper care, she should make a quick recovery.”
I let out a breath.
She nods and leaves the room, leaving me alone with Quinn again. I climb into bed with her, curling my body around hers as she sleeps fitfully, my mind racing and my heart in fucking pieces.
Later,I step into the hallway to call Ezra. It rings once before he picks up.
“Jack, how is she?” His voice is filled with concern.
“She’s stable,” I say, my voice tight.
When he stopped by my house and found a fucking gun lying on the kitchen island—something we both know I do not own—and the door to the basement cracked open, he didn’t hesitate to do what needed to be done. He hadn’t even realized it was Stu before he pulled the trigger, which is something I am sure will take him a long time to recover from.
The gratitude I feel for this man is immeasurable. Not just for his quick thinking, but because he’s caring for Sienna today to give my mom a break and so I can be here with Quinn around the clock.
She babbles in the background and a smile tugs at the corner of my mouth. Smiling is hard right now.
Remaining upright is hard right now.
I’m exhausted and my face is numb from lack of sleep.
“Baby girl has been an angel,” he says. “The crazy mutt too.”
“Thank you,” I say seriously. “For everything.”
He is silent for a moment. He’s been adamant that he’s no hero, that he only did what anyone would have done in such a dire situation. “I’m here for you, man.” No truer words have ever been spoken. “Take care of your girl and don’t worry about us.”
If there’s one thing I’mnotworried about, it’s Sienna’s safety while she’s with Ezra. “Thanks. Give me a call if there’s anything you need.” My words are loaded, because I don’t mean just for Sienna. Processing all that’s happened is going to be a trip for all of us.
I end the call and return to Quinn’s bedside, my heart heavy. I gently stroke her hair, watching her sleep.
No one will hurt her again, because she’s never leaving my fucking sight after this.
32
EVERY PART OF HER IS MINE
JACK
My hand shakes slightlyas I insert the key into the lock and turn it. The lock clicks open, and I push the heavy oak door inward, gesturing for Quinn to enter first. As soon as we step inside, the familiar scent of home envelops me, and a wave of relief washes over me unexpectedly. However, my mind is still reeling from the traumatic events of the past few days. I glance at Quinn, her face worn and tired but determined, and worry lays heavy on my shoulders—uncertainty about how Quinn will feel coming home to the place where she experienced something so traumatic.
With the exception of Sienna, there is no comparison to the depth of love I feel for her, surpassing any other person or thing in my life.
Sienna is fast asleep in my arms and I head toward her room to tuck her in for the night.
“I want to hold her.” Quinn’s voice is tinged with guilt. The thing that amplifies every feeling I have for her most is that she loves my daughter just as much as I do. “I feel so bad that her schedule has been messed up, and she’s been away from you so much because of me.”
Of course, that’s what she’s focused on. I shake my head, wrapping my free arm around her. “Sienna and Grammy have loved spending extra time together, and she and Uncle Ezra had a blast. She’s fine, Quinn. Let her sleep.”
