Daniel Carter punched the hospital wall so hard his knuckles split open. "Say it again," he demanded blood dripping onto the white floor. The doctor stepped back. "Sir, I'm sorry. Ms. Hayes was pronounced dead at 11:52 p.m. There was nothing." She asked me about my bed 8 hours ago.
Daniel grabbed the doctor's coat. She asked if it was big enough for two. I said only if she was the one beside me. She was supposed to meet me tomorrow. Security rushed in.
Daniel collapsed against the wall, sliding down, leaving a red smear behind him. Victoria Hayes died holding a secret about his daughter. A secret he would spend years uncovering. From which city are you watching? Comment below.
Is your bed big enough for two? Daniel's coffee cup froze halfway to his mouth. He looked up at Victoria Hayes standing in his doorway, hip cocked against the frame, arms crossed, watching him with those dark eyes that had haunted his dreams for months. Excuse me. You heard me.
She stepped inside and kicked the door shut behind her. The slam echoed through the office. Daniel set his cup down carefully, buying time, trying to control his racing pulse. Ms. Hayes. Victoria.
Victoria. Her name felt dangerous in his mouth. That's not an appropriate question. I'm the CEO. I decide what's appropriate.
And I'm your employee who could get fired for answering. Victoria walked toward his desk. Slow, deliberate, each step calculated. She stopped inches from him, close enough that he could smell her perfume. Something expensive, something that made his head spin. answer.
Anyway, Daniel pushed back from his desk and stood. They were nearly the same height now, eye to eye, breath to breath. Why are you doing this? Because I'm running out of time. Running out of time for what?
Victoria's hand trembled as she reached up and touched his jaw. Her fingers were cold. Daniel grabbed her wrist, not to push her away, but to hold her there. What aren't you telling me? He asked.
Everything. Her voice cracked. I'm not telling you everything, Daniel, and I'm terrified I never will. Then tell me now. I can't.
Not here. Not like this. She pulled her hand free and stepped back. And Daniel saw something he'd never seen on Victoria Hayes's face before. Fear.
Meet me tomorrow, she said. Riverside Park, the bench by the old oak tree. Noon. Victoria, please. The word came out broken.
I need to tell you something about your daughter. Daniel's blood went cold. Lily, what about Lily? Tomorrow. I'll explain everything tomorrow.
Just She pressed her palm against her chest, wincing slightly. Just promise you'll come. Are you okay? I'm fine. Promise me.
I promise. Victoria nodded once, turned and walked out. At the door, she paused and looked back over her shoulder. The answer, Daniel said quietly. To your question, it's yes, but only if you're the one beside me.