The Stranger In the Guest Room by V. Lockwood (best books to read for young adults TXT) 📕

I don’t want to leave you here alone.”

It seemed like forever, but eventually, I was able to help him stand, and we made our way outside. When Easton got into his passenger side of his truck, he moaned in pain. I got into the driver’s seat, pulled his keys from my pocket, and started the truck. I glanced towards my cabin and floored the truck out of Easton’s driveway.

Chapter Thirteen

“He’s ready for you now.” The young nurse smiled as she motioned to me in the waiting room. I stood and followed her to Easton’s room.

I walked in and gave him a hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay. I’ve been a nervous wreck the entire time you were in surgery.”

He smiled. “Thank you.”

“Anytime,” I said as I sat in the chair next to his bed.

“Both bullets missed everything major, so that’s a plus.”

I nodded, still unable to comprehend that Brooks shot Easton twice.

Tears ran down my checks as he spoke, “I’m so sorry. I had no idea...”

“Hey.” He smiled. “Not your fault,” he whispered. “Not your fault at all.”

“He’s not the man I knew years ago. I don’t know what happened. He’s changed.”

“I’m okay, and you’re okay. We’re both okay. And we’re both going to be fine.”

“I hope so. I just...”

“Hey,” he whispered. “It’s okay.”

There was a knock on the door, and we both turned our attention to the doorway.

“Can I come in?” a voice asked. “It’s Detective Adams and Officer Lyrok from the Hill Park PD.”

“Yeah,” Easton said.

They entered the room and glanced at me.

“She can stay,” Easton said.

They nodded.

“Well, we’re glad you’re going to be okay. We just have a few questions for you, and then we’ll leave you to get some rest for the night.”

Easton nodded.

“So did you let Brooks into your home?”

Easton shook his head.

“He broke in. Well, I guess he didn’t exactly break in. I didn’t have my door locked, and he just walked in through the kitchen door.”

I was in shock, not wanting to hear what happened next.

“I heard a noise and walked into my kitchen, and that’s when he pulled the gun.”

Both officers nodded, while one jotted down Easton’s answers on a small notepad.

“At first, I didn’t recognize who it was. It took me a second, and then I just remember saying his name. Next thing I remember is riding here in my truck. But even that feels spacey, like I wasn’t all there.”

“Okay. Did he mention anything you remember?”

Easton shook his head. “I don’t think he said anything. At least, I don’t remember if he did. I mean what I told you is pretty much what I can think of.”

“Okay, well, I’ll leave both our cards here on the table if you can think of anything else. Call us if anything else comes to memory.”

Easton nodded.

“So...” I drawled. “Is he still at my place?”

“No,” Detective Adams answered. “When you arrived, the hospital staff notified us, and we had officers dispatched to your house right away.”

I nodded.

“He’s been arrested, but he’s in this hospital too. He stepped in some glass somewhere, and quite a few shards went in deep enough that it required surgery to get it all removed.”

I took a deep breath.

“Do you know anything about that?” Officer Adams asked.

I shook my head and explained the details of the last few days to the moment I ran from the house.

“Very well. Well, I’m glad you’re okay too,” Officer Lyrok said with a smile. “This all could have turned out worse, but you’re all safe, and you’re all going to be okay, including Brooks.”

“So, what’s going to happen to him?” I asked.

“Well, he already had a BOLO out for him. I guess... uh... the town he’s from... can’t think of the name right now, but they’ve been looking for him.”

“BOLO? For what?” I asked, shocked. Easton gave me a worried look.

The detective and the officer glanced at each other.

“What did he do?” I asked again.

There was another knock on the door. The young nurse from earlier peeked her head around the curtain and looked at me. “Um, sorry to interrupt. Erika, you have a visitor,” she said more like a question.

I looked at Easton and shrugged my shoulders. I had no idea who it could have been.

“We can talk more down at the station, okay?” Detective Adams said. “You need to get some rest.” He nodded to Easton. “And we may have some more questions for you over the next few days.” They handed me their cards as they said goodbye and walked out the door.

I followed along behind them with the nurse as she walked back out to the waiting room.

“Margo!” I cried as I rounded the corner. “What are you doing up here? How did you get here so fast? Did they call you?”

“No,” she laughed. “Not at all. I’m so glad you’re okay. And your neighbor? I heard about him when I got here. Well, not directly, but by overhearing the officers in the hallways. Are you okay?” She let go of me and stared at me.

“Yes. Yes, I’m fine. A little shaken up, but I’m... Yes. Um, come meet Easton, my neighbor.”

“Oh, no.” She stopped in her tracks. “I can wait to meet him. This is probably not the best time and...”

“C’mon,” I said as I held her arm and walked with her. I knocked on Easton’s door.

“Come in.”

“Easton, I’d like to introduce you to my editor Margo. She drove all the way up here to make sure I’m okay and...”

“Yes.” He grinned. “Bring her in. Bring her in.”

I pulled Margo into the room. “Margo, this is Easton. Easton, this is Margo.”

They greeted each other and shook hands.

“Nice to finally put a face to the name,” Margo said. “Wish it was under better circumstances.”

“Likewise,” Easton laughed. “I’m not usually this doped up on pain meds.”

We all laughed.

“Well, I’m glad you’re all okay. I wish you a speedy recovery.”

“Thank you.” Easton nodded.

“So, how did you get here so fast?” I asked her. “You can take a seat over on