Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

THE TRUTH

LUKE

The waiting room felt like a cage, each second stretching out like an eternity. Josh and I sat in silence, both staring at the double doors that led to the operating rooms. Every time they swung open, I braced myself, heart thundering in my chest, only for some nurse or orderly to walk through without looking in our direction.

We were running out of hope with every passing moment.

When the police arrived, the tension in the room shifted. Two officers walked toward us, their presence heavy and

authoritative. Josh and I exchanged a quick look and then stood as they approached.

"Josh? Luke?" the taller officer asked, his eyes darting between

1. us.

"Yeah," Josh answered, his voice sharp and exhausting.

"We have some questions about Sarah-the woman who shot Laura," the officer began, pulling out a notepad. "How do your know her? How well?"

Josh clenched his jaw, his fists tightening. "She's-she was staying with us," he said.

The officer's lips pressed into a thin line. "Did you know she's been in and out of psychiatric facilities?"

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THE TRUTH

head snapped up, his eyes narrowing.

1288 Ves

she became addicted to controlled substances-fentanyl, among others. While working, she accidentally overdosed a patient, which

hell was she

file, she's been using it again, and her mental health has significantly deteriorated. She was discharged prematurely and slipped through the cracks. After tonight, we've had her transferred back to a psychiatric facility under

his breath, pacing a short line in front of

ran a hand through my hair, anger bubbling just beneath the surface. "She could've-" I stopped myself. She did. She shot Laura.

"We'll contact you if we need further

gurney being wheeled through. My breath caught as I recognized Laura's pale face, her body hooked up

they walked away, the double doors opened again,

wife,"

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THE TRUTH

seconds, his hand finding hers. The nurse pushing the gurney glanced at him, then nodded, letting him walk

watching as Josh disappeared down the hall. Relief and fear warred within me. Laura was

footsteps pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see a man in a white coat walking toward me, his expression

stepping forward. "Is Jess okay? What's

"I'm Dr. Dos Santos. I specialize in neonatal surgeries. I'd like to walk

supposed to be in surgery. Why was this guy talking

I asked, my voice rising as I fell into step beside him. My legs felt heavy, like I was moving through quicksand. "Jess is in surgery. What's