Succumb to the Night by Jay Leigh

Author:Jay Leigh [Leigh, Jay]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rainbow Brigade Books
Published: 2024-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Theo

Theo was eager to put the evening behind him as he crawled into bed beside Connor and settled in under the covers. So much so that he was tempted to ignore the phone vibrating on the nightstand beside his cup of tea. He did ignore it, mostly, but he couldn't ignore it any longer once he stole a glance at the screen and saw a hospital as the caller ID. Panic rose almost immediately as a dozen different worst-case scenarios invaded his mind. He snatched the phone off the wireless charger and swiped to answer the call.

“Hello, is this Theodore Moreau?”

“Yes, what’s going on?” He sat up straighter in the bed and turned to meet Connor’s concerned gaze from beside him.

“This is Patricia Stanton from the United Medical Care Emergency Department. You're listed as the emergency contact for a patient we’ve admitted under the name Timothy Wilkes Jr.”

“Oh my God, is everything okay?” Theo felt a rush of relief over the revelation that none of his family or closest friends were the reason for the call. The relief was swiftly replaced by guilt over his reaction. It only got worse as the woman on the other end of the phone continued speaking.

“The patient is currently unconscious, and I am unable to reach the next of kin. I can't discuss the details over the phone, but if you are able to come to the hospital, the doctor can fill you in.”

“Unconscious? Wait, what happened?”

“I’m sorry, Sir, but this would be better handled in person. I can share that the patient is stable. Are you able to come down to the hospital?”

“Yeah, of course. I’m on my way.” Theo grabbed a pen and pad of paper from the nightstand drawer to write down the room number before hanging up the phone.

“Teddy, what's wrong?” Connor closed his book and tossed it to the end of the bed before grasping Theo’s trembling hands.

“It’s Taz? Something happened and he's unconscious in the hospital, but they won't share the information over the phone.” Theo closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths as he tried to work through the jumble of emotions he was experiencing. Knowing Taz’ history and living situation as well as he did, there could be any number of issues and reasons for them.

“Taz? Why is the hospital calling you?” Connor’s voice carried an apprehensive tone, and when Theo opened his eyes, the expression he found on Connor’s face had him feeling annoyed despite himself.

“Because he listed me as his emergency contact years ago and doesn't have anyone else to replace it with.” Theo pulled his hands free to gather his hair into a messy bun before corralling it in place with an elastic from around his wrist.

“Teddy, that’s ridiculous. It's late, that hospital is all the way across the river, and you ain't his family,” Connor huffed before continuing, “He got people he can call.”

“He can't call anyone right now, Con. He’s unconscious.” Theo narrowed his eyes with a scowl. “You're the one being ridiculous.

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