Silence falls as she glares at him.
“Fine,” she finally says.
Ryder’s smile widens, victory gleaming in his eyes. “Excellent. I knew you’d be reasonable?—“
Holly pulls out her phone and begins dialing.
“What are you doing?” Ryder asks, smile faltering.
Holly holds up a finger, silencing him as the call connects. “Yes, is this the mayor’s office?” she says clearly. “This is Dr. Holly Chang. I’ve found some very concerning evidence at the springs. I believe I know what’s been sickening the town.”
“You bitch!” Ryder lunges across the desk, reaching for Holly.
I move instantly, shoving him back with enough force to send him stumbling against the window behind him.
“Touch her,” I growl, “and I’ll kill you.”
I mean it. The certainty of it flows through me like ice water. If he lays a hand on Holly, nothing will stop me from ending him.
Ryder straightens his suit, his face contorted with rage. “You’re going to regret this. Both of you.”
“Mayor Winters?” Holly continues into the phone, her voice steady despite the confrontation. “Yes, I need to meet with you immediately. It’s about potential heavy metal poisoning from a contaminated bucket I found at the springs.”
“I will destroy you,” Ryder hisses at her. “Your career, your reputation, everything.”
Holly ends the call and meets his gaze without flinching. “You can try.”
I take Holly’s arm, guiding her toward the door. “We’re done here.”
“This isn’t over,” Ryder calls after us. “Not by a long shot.”
In the elevator, Holly finally lets out a shaky breath, the composure she maintained in Ryder’s office cracking slightly.
“He’ll make good on his threat,” I say quietly. “About your designation.”
She nods, her eyes meeting mine. “I know.”
“Your career?—“
“There are more important things than my career, Grayson.” Her voice is soft but certain. “Like those children in the hospital. Like this town.”
I study her face, this woman who continues to surprise me with her courage. “You’re remarkable,” I say simply.
A small smile touches her lips. “I’m not the only one.”
THIRTY-EIGHT
HOLLY
When we getthe news that Ryder has been arrested, I already know what will come next. The moment he posted bail and got access to a phone, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out who he’d call first.
When I walk into the clinic and spot Greta hovering near the nurse’s station with a pinched expression on her face, obviously waiting for me, I’m not surprised.
“Dr. Chang,” she says, voice carefully neutral. “Dr. Mercer would like to see you in his office. Immediately.”
I nod, not bothering to even set down my bag. “Of course.”
My heart pounds against my ribs as I walk down the hallway, but I keep my spine straight, my steps measured.
