What She Found

Machines beeped rhythmically while Reese sat in the chair next to her bed. He had been here since the ambulance brought her in hours ago. Hayden had called and texted, but he didn't feel like talking to her, so he set his phone on silent.

"Hey," a voice said next to him.

He blinked, wiped his face, and looked up.

"What are you doing here?"

Hayden brushed the hair from her face, and sat in the chair by the window. She put her bag down and removed her coat.

"I figured you could use a friend."

"I don't want you here," Reese said roughly. "Please go home."

"What's wrong?"

Reese whirled. "What's wrong? Are you really asking me that right now? Maya is in the hospital, Hayden. She's barely hanging on. This is all because of you. If you hadn't called me to investigate the break in—"

"It's not."

Reese gritted his teeth. "No, it's not. She could die," he whispered, then closed his eyes. "And if she does, it'll be my fault."