“Nothing yet. Bomb squad is doing their thing. FBI got called in, too, because of the possible terrorist threat. So far two fatalities and lots of injured.”

Hunter ran a hand through his hair.

Elijah moved a step closer to him. “Look. You need to go see her. I don’t know how serious it is. And it’s always been clear to me that you never stopped loving her.”

Wasn’t that the truth. “I’m probably the last person on this earth that she’d want to see.”

“That was a long time ago. A lot has happened since then. I think she’d welcome a visit from you, especially given the circumstances.”

“I’m not so sure about that, but you’re right, I have to go. Even if she kicks me out. I need to try.” Hunter didn’t know what he’d do without Elijah’s friendship. He was more like a brother than a friend.

“Don’t wait.” Elijah stood. “I’m headed back to work. Hit me up and let me know how it went.”

“Will do. And thanks again.”

“Always.”

Hunter watched Elijah leave and then tried to muster up the courage to drive to the hospital. Everything with Layla had ended so badly. They’d only crossed paths a couple of times since law school graduation, and those instances had barely been a quick and awkward hello.

But now his main concern was making sure she was all right. Had terrorists targeted the Old Town restaurant? Or was this something else entirely?

He wasn’t law enforcement, but as someone who had a law degree and had been a PI for five years, working high-stakes cases, he couldn’t help but want to get answers. Especially considering that whoever was behind this atrocity had hurt Layla. His Layla, even though he had zero right to think of her like that. He’d given that up a long time ago.

He had to push aside his fear and the past and get down to the hospital. If something happened to her and he didn’t have the chance to try to make things right, he would never forgive himself.

A knock on the door of her hospital room awakened Layla from a light doze. Her boss, Brett King, stood in the hallway.

“Brett.” She shifted in the bed.

“I came to check on you as soon as I got word that you were on the list of victims.” He walked into the room and sat down beside her bed. “How’re you feeling?”

“Been better, but I’m alive. Not everyone at the restaurant was so fortunate.” She still couldn’t believe there had been a bombing. Her brain wasn’t processing everything quickly enough, but a nagging voice in her head told her something was really off. “Has there been any chatter about it?”