Protecting You (A McCord Family Novel Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

speak to me that way or fill your head with nonsense any longer. You belong at home, not here."
    "You spoke to Ava. I sure hope you didn't say anything rude. She's my friend. No, actually, I would say she's one of my best friends and I won't have you treating her with disrespect. My life's here in New York and has been for five years. Accept it or get the hell out. I won't have you treating me like a child anymore because I'm not one. I love you man, but you need to stop."
    "If I walk out of here, I won't talk to you again. You're taking her side over mine," Zane said with quiet anger.
    "She hasn't done anything wrong. I'm not taking sides. Please, just support me," Jimmy pleaded. "I won't stop you from walking out that door if you can't accept where my life is at."
    Zane inhaled a deep breath, turned around from Jimmy's shocked face, and walked out of his life.
    ***
    Austin looked shameful again. "Ava and Jimmy were good friends. She could see how much he needed some support in this big city and they became fast friends. Zane doesn't get along well with her because of it. He's just taking Jimmy's death hard. He doesn't mean it. I would like to know about Ava's recovery. It all makes sense now. Jimmy loved her like a sister," Austin said, a tear forming in his eye.
    "Yes, I know. She tried to save him, I was told. The other officers tried to tell her he was gone, but she wouldn't listen. She doesn't know he died. She passed out before the paramedics even reached her. Like I said before, I take no offense to anything. Let's go over the funeral arrangements. I know it's not easy, but it has to be done," Rudy said, gesturing again for Austin to follow him out of the morgue area.
    "Of course. Thank you for all your kindness," Austin said as he followed Rudy out.
    The dismal walk out of the corridor was almost as bad as the walk into the morgue. It was hard knowing his brother lay back in that cold room. It was hard knowing his other brother was struggling. Austin felt in limbo as he followed Rudy out of the building, concerned where Zane ventured off, yet knowing he wouldn't show himself until he wanted to. Perhaps that was for the best.
    ***
    The slow beeping sounds awakened her, producing a steady rhythm that wanted to lull her back into a deep sleep. She found comfort in it for some strange reason, just as she found comfort in the hand embracing hers. She slowly opened her eyes and saw her dad smiling.
    "My baby girl. You finally came back to me," Peter said, kissing her hand, the relief plain in his eyes.
    Ava looked around the room. Flowers sat adorned on the table across the room, on the side ledge by the window as well. Small cards peaked out from the bouquets. Balloons stood near the flowers displayed with 'Get well soon', 'Thinking of you', amongst other things. Larger cards also lined the ledge in front of the flowers.
    "What happened?" she asked with a croak, her mind still a little groggy.
    Peter hesitated, the worry clear. "You were shot, stabbed…and fell two-stories. Don't you remember anything, sweetheart?"
    Ava drew in a small breath and tried to focus. Suddenly, it all came rushing back. Shivers consumed her. Her father held her hand tightly to control it.
    "It's okay, sweetheart."
    "Where's Jimmy? Is he in recovery, too? I stopped the bleeding really well," Ava whispered.
    "Listen to me." Peter paused. "Sweetheart, Jimmy didn't make it. He died at the scene. Nothing you could have done would have saved him. It was instant."
    Ava shook her head no—denial ringing in her ears. He couldn't be dead. It wasn't possible. He had to ask out Tiffany. He had to call his brother Zane.
    She gasped.
    Zane.
    He probably wished her dead right now. He blamed her for his brother staying in New York. He would blame her for his death. It was her fault. She couldn't deny it. He did die because of her.
    "Dad, Jimmy's okay. What room is he in?"
    Peter squeezed her hand tighter. "No, honey. He's not okay. He died. I'm so sorry. I