41. Delaney
CHAPTER 41
Delaney
T here’s a strange buzzing sound pulling me from sleep. I open my eyes, blinking rapidly, disoriented as the bright sunlight pours through my bedroom windows.
Realizing the noise is my cell phone ringing, I grab it. My heart thumps at “Unknown” on my screen.
“Hello,” my voice rushes through the line, hoping to catch her before she hangs up. “Mom?—”
“Is this Delaney Warner?” A male voice on the other end of the line asks.
“Yes. Who is this?”
“This is Officer Grayson. I’m calling to inform you there’s been an accident. Your phone number is on Lindsay Warner’s phone?—"
“Is she okay?”
He pauses before this grave and sympathetic tone comes through the line again. “No, she’s not. She was in a car accident. From what we know thus far, it was a hit-and-run. Her car slammed into a telephone pole.”
No, no, no.
Tears course down my cheeks. “Where is she?”
“We originally took her to the hospital in Portland, Maine. When we notified her husband?—”
“Oh, shit. No.”
The officer’s voice is stunned. “I’m sorry.”
I close my eyes. Calm down, Delaney. Find out where she is.
“Sorry. I’m just… stunned.” I clear my throat, trying to rein in my emotions. “Where is she?”
“Your father had her flown to Green Haven Hospital.”
“Thank you for letting me know.” I end the call before he can say anything else. The phone slips from my hand as I stare blankly out the window.
That fucker. I know my asshole father did this.
My mom made it to Maine. She was so close to reaching the border… but of course, that jackass stopped her.
I run my hands through my hair before grabbing my phone and calling Callie.
As her phone rings, time seems to slow. Pain ricochets through my body, making me grimace. My mind races. What if she would’ve stayed here longer? Would he have gotten to her?
When Callie answers, I’m too overwhelmed to say a word. The crushing pain in my chest takes my breath away. It’s so persistent it feels like it will never end.
“Delaney? What’s wrong?”
A sob escapes me. I close my eyes, trying to compose myself.
“Are you okay? Do you need me?”
I nod, even though she can’t see me. “It’s my mom. She was in an accident.”
“Oh, fuck. Is she… okay?”
I swallow hard, trying to dislodge the vast lump lodged in my throat. “He did it, Callie. My father… I don’t know how, but he caused this.”
“Is your mom alive, Delaney?”
“Yes.” Fat tears slide down my cheek. “He had her flown to the Green Haven Hospital.”
“Fucking bastard.” She takes a deep breath. “Okay. Mark and I will pack a bag. We’re going with you to Green Haven. We’ll pick you up in fifteen minutes.”
“Thank you,” I whisper as I end the call.
Dread causes chills to roll through me. I’m returning to the place I said I’d never go.