“Thank God,” I let out on a breath.
I was slipping out of the cell before the guard had a chance to swing it open all the way. It closed behind me with a clank and I turned my head back to give Ian a pitying look. “Sorry, man.”
He shrugged from where he lounged on the top bunk. “No worries, I’m sure my dad will show up sometime next week.”
Feeling uncomfortable, I gave him a quick, “Later,” and walked ahead of the guard down the corridor. As soon as I spotted my dad waiting for me, I was asking questions. “How is she? Has she asked for me? Is she awake?”
My dad seemed uneasy and wasn’t looking me in the eye. “Caleb, we’ll discuss this when we get home.”
“I’m not going home! I’m going to the hospital!” I practically yelled at him as we exited the building.
He stopped me in the parking lot with a hand on my shoulder. “Julie has given instructions that you aren’t allowed in Gianna’s hospital room.”
Shrugging off his hand, I walked faster to the car. “That’s bullshit! Take me to pick up my car at the school and I’ll drive there myself.”
My dad settled behind the wheel, letting out a sigh. “Fine, I’ll take you to the hospital, but don’t expect to get into her room. Her dad, Chris, is already there and Julie has given him an earful.”
Driving to the hospital, my dad filled me in on Gianna’s condition. Casts on both wrists, jaw wired shut and stitches down below. It was too much to bear, but I had to know. When he was done, I turned my head to look out the window so my dad wouldn’t see my wet eyes. Knowing I needed privacy at that moment, my dad gave me the silence I needed to digest it all.
The car came to a stop in the parking garage and I jumped out. I felt impatient as my dad got out and circled around the car. Not knowing her room number, I was forced to wait for him to take me to her.
“Caleb, she may not even be awake yet. They still had her sedated earlier this morning.”
“It’s been over twelve freaking hours since it happened and she’s probably wondering where the hell I am!” I shouted at him, needing to take my pain and frustration out on someone.
My dad pulled me in for a hug and I allowed it. Allowed him to try to soothe away some of the ugliness roiling inside me. But nothing could make me feel better. “How bad was it, dad?”
My dad let out a choking sound and I realized how hard this was on him too. I loved Gianna, but so did he. My dad had been her stepfather for the past three years. He pulled back from the hug, fighting for composure.
“They stitched her up, and there’s swelling and bruising, but they think she’ll heal completely.” A sound escaped his lips, but he swallowed visibly, getting himself under control. “They think she’ll still be able to have children. He only used the flashlight on her, so at least we don’t have to worry about pregnancy. Sick little bastard.” My dad stopped there, wiping at his eyes.
Feeling cold all over, I didn’t know how to deal with what happened to her.
How did I even begin to help her?
“And Josh?”
“I wish I could say he’d died from his injuries,” my dad muttered angrily. “He’s got a broken nose, busted up face and three broken ribs.” When he hesitated, I glanced at him, seeing his wry smile. “You and that other kid really worked him over.”
“Which room number is Josh in?”
“Caleb,” my dad said sternly.
I gave my dad a false smile which probably looked more like a sneer. “To send him flowers, of course.”
He shook his head. “He’s not here anymore.”
“Prison hospital?” I asked hopefully.
“Uh, no. Gianna’s dad, Chris, took a midnight flight here and after getting briefed by the police, he asked the same thing you just did.” My dad gave me a pointed look. “The police and hospital staff thought it best Josh be moved to another hospital for both his sake and her family’s.”
“I’m going to kill him,” I told him in all seriousness. My dad was stressed by my statement so I attempted to reassure him, “Don’t worry, I won’t get caught.”
He shook his head again. “You’re in enough trouble. Assaulting Josh while you’re already on probation for assault wasn’t the brightest idea.”
“I think it was an excellent idea,” I mumbled stubbornly. I still had a taste for more of Josh’s blood. I’d busted up that face of his and Ian had broken some ribs, but he had a lot more coming to him. That twisted creep hadn’t begun to experience the pain coming his way.
Leaving the hospital parking garage, the glass doors at the front hospital entrance were a short ways ahead. “One more thing, Caleb.” I could tell what he had to say wouldn’t be good. “The cops started questioning the other cheerleaders and football players today.”