For a moment, I wonder if he left me here, but I know he hasn’t.
I can’t be within a hundred yards of Lincoln Riscoff and not feel his presence. It’s something visceral I’ve never been able to shake. He’s been in my blood from that first night, and I’ve never been able to get him out.
I spy my tank and shorts on the floor and snatch them up. Dropping the sheet, I dress before padding toward the window to stare for long moments.
It’s the most awe-inspiring sight I’ve ever seen. Even the view from The Gables can’t top it. It’s so perfectly Lincoln.
The rushing water of the river also reminds me of what day it is.
How has it been ten years?
53
Whitney
The past
The pounding wouldn’t stop,and even the pillow over my head couldn’t drown it out. I jumped out of bed and hurried down the stairs, expecting to see my dad out front without his keys.
But when I opened the door, I was absolutely wrong.
Jackie’s face was haggard as she stood in front of the door, soaked from the rain. Lincoln was behind her, his phone to his ear.
Who is he calling? Me?But he didn’t hang up immediately.
“What the hell is going on?” I asked, and my aunt wrapped her fingers around my wrist and tugged me toward her.
“You need to come with me, Whit. Right now. We have to go to the hospital.”
My stomach twisted into an unholy knot as she pulled me outside. The wind whipped my black hair in every direction as the rain pelted my thin shirt. My gaze cut back to Lincoln as his expression turned into a mask of horror.
“What happened? Someone tell me. Now.”
Jackie’s head bowed and she hauled in a ragged breath. Lincoln lowered the phone, his face pale, and he seemed almost frozen in shock.
“Jesus fucking Christ,” he whispered, and my heart thundered, spurred on by fear.
“Please, tell me.”
My aunt yanked me against her chest and wrapped her arms around me. “I’m so sorry, Whit. There’s been a terrible accident. We have to go to the hospital now.”
Tremors racked my body as she pulled back. “What happened?” My plea came out raw and ragged, but Jackie looked at Lincoln.
“They told you?”
He nodded, lifting a hand to his face. “Yeah.” His voice sounded as hoarse as mine. “I’ll follow you to the hospital.”
His hazel gaze dragged over my face, and his shattered expression shredded me.
“What happened?” I screamed the question.
Lincoln swallowed. “I’m so sorry, Whitney.”
54
Lincoln
Present day