You Can't Run by Hope Davis (best way to read books .txt) 📗

“Well…” She took a deep breath, begging her emotions to stay in check. “You asked why I transferred here. And I transferred, because, well, my brother—” She had to take another breath. “Is in the final—” She choked on her words. “Final stages of cancer.” It came out as a whisper, but it was no longer a secret.

“He can’t really care for himself anymore, he can’t work. So, I’m here to help support him.”

Just as she didn’t question his story, Atlas understood this was the time to stay silent and just drove while she continued.

“And I guess, he fell today, and his friends were there luckily, that’s who called.  I still just…” She looked at her lap dejectedly. She knew once she said the next part, she would have to face the reality of the situation.

“When Vance would call home, he didn’t seem so bad you know? He seemed like he was doing okay. Then he told us he lost his job and—” She felt a single tear run down her cheek and quickly brushed it away before Atlas could notice. “And I knew it was bad, but I had no idea it was…this bad.”

Atlas paused, giving her time to collect herself and making sure she was done talking before saying anything.

“So…no juicy two-family story?”

“No.” She felt a small smile ghost her lips. “Sorry if I ruined your fun.”

“Good thing I only bet the guys $50.”

She couldn’t help but smile at his teasing despite her nerves, she had dreaded this conversation, but it made it much more bearable. As Atlas turned on the highway, civilization rose in front of them. Naya was glad they were almost there because she didn’t know if her heart could take this racing much longer. And thanks to Atlas’ crazy, but precise driving, and the help of the siren, they were in front of the hospital in record time. Naya scrambled out and headed into the lobby, Atlas hot at her heels.

When she turned the corner into the waiting area, she immediately spotted Trevor. “Where’s Kevin?” She asked.

Trevor feigned looking hurt. “Hello to you too. He went to grab us some coffee, he’ll be right back.”

Atlas glanced at his watch, “I think I’ll do the same. Seems like it’ll be a late night.”

“You really don’t have to stay. Trevor and Kevin can take Vance and I home.”

“But your car is at the precinct?”

She hadn’t thought of that, that threw a wrench in things. “Well, what time did you want to start tomorrow?”

“It’s Saturday, so I was thinking I might sleep in until six.” He joked glancing at his watch again. Naya did the same and noticed it was already almost eight.

“Well give me a call and maybe you could swing by and grab me on your way to the station? Or I can call an Uber.”

“No need to Uber, I’ll give you a call when I’m on my way. Maybe we can just pick up where we left off. Might be easier.”

“Good point.”

She was surprised when Atlas suddenly enveloped her in a hug.

“Call me if you need anything and let me know if you need a half day tomorrow. Seriously. I understand.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.” Naya said as he pulled away. She caught a glimpse of Kevin out of the corner of her eye and if she wasn’t mistaken, he almost looked jealous.

“No problem.” He gave a small wave as he strode back out to his car.

Kevin came over, clearly trying to fight the urge to ask who the man hugging her had been. He had a tray with three coffees in his hand and slid one into her hands.

“I figured you would need this.”

“Thanks.” She smiled at him. “And thanks so much for being there for Vance. I don’t know what he would’ve done without you two tonight.”

She looked between Kevin and Trevor for the first time taking in the cramped waiting room and stained blue chairs with the same décor that seemed to be in every hospital in the country. “I’m going to go see if they will let me see him or at least give me an update. If they plan on keeping him all night you guys can probably go, get some sleep and come back in the morning.

They two nodded and before she could walk away Kevin grabbed her arm gently.

“I just wanted to give you a heads up, I gave the key you gave me to Sebastian for the night. When Vance fell, he fell onto the toilet and broke it. There was quite the mess and the toilet was unusable. Sebastian was going to stop by Home Depot before they closed to buy a new one and have it installed for you, hopefully before you get home tonight.”

She was shocked, she wouldn’t have expected that Vance’s frail body could do that much damage.

“Thank you so much. I don’t know how we will ever repay you guys.”

“No worries. That’s what friends are for.” Kevin winked at her as he let go of her arm.

“I’ll make a new key for you.” She turned to focus her eyes on Trevor, “And one for you as well, that way you won’t have to worry about passing keys around to hang out with Vance.”

“Sounds like a plan to me.” The smile still hadn’t left Kevin’s face, and Naya managed to return a half smile as she turned her back towards the two men and walked forward.

She approached the receptionist, and after checking Vance’s medical records to confirm that Naya was listed as his next of kin and power of attorney, she called and had a nurse come to take her to the back.

While they walked down the sterile white hall lined with rooms filled with patients