Page 101 of Contentious

“How’s the patient?”

“He’s lonely and wants me to sneak in for a nocturnal visit. Would you mind staying with Ty for a little bit?”

“Of course not, but brush your hair first.”

Cresley made a face at her and then took off to freshen up before she left. Now that she knew she would see Carson again soon, she couldn’t wait, but as she brushed her hair and teeth and changed her clothes, she wondered if it was safe for her to leave Marlene and Ty alone.

“I don’t know if I should go.”

“Why not?”

“What if Marlon found out where we are?”

“There’s no way he could know that.”

“That’s not true. There’s always a way.”

“I have a concealed carry license. I never leave home without it. If he has the nerve to show up here, I’ll make him very sorry he fucked with us.”

“You have a gun?”

“Girl, I’ve always had one.”

“How did I not know that?”

“Because you never needed to know. Now, go see your guy. Lock your doors and keep your wits about you. We’ll be fine.”

Cresley hugged her. “Thank you.”

“Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Outside, she consulted with Anthony and told him where she was going.

“Let me take you.”

“I want you here watching out for Ty.”

“Carson will kill me if I let you go unprotected.”

“I’ll be careful. I promise. Watch my baby.”

“All right then.”

Cresley kept one eye on the mirror as she made her way down the hill from Laurel Canyon. Thankfully, she was the only one on the road and passed only three cars coming the other way before she reached North Crescent Heights Boulevard, where the traffic got a bit heavier. She breathed a sigh of relief as she crossed over Melrose, confident that she hadn’t been followed.

Knowing Marlene was armed made her feel much better about leaving her and Ty alone, even with Anthony watching the house. Her friend was better prepared to confront an intruder than Cresley would’ve been on her own. She loathed guns and had never wanted to own one, but recent events had her rethinking her position on the matter.

She jogged toward the main entrance at Cedars and gave her name and Carson’s name at the reception desk.

“Visiting hours are long over.”

“I was asked to come in. My friend said the nurses would allow it.”

She handed Cresley a visitor sticker. “Go on up and fight it out with them.”

“Thank you so much.”