I dab my eyes. “Don’t be sorry. You didn’t do anything.”
“But if I hadn’t pulled away and made space for you in the parking lot, you wouldn’t have wanted to get your hair done at that salon.”
“Oh, honey, I own the salon.”
“Oh no.” Her shoulders slump. “You lost your business.”
“See why I’m crying?” I chuckle while tears run down my cheeks. “But never mind the few bricks. We can build more salons. The man’s twin is out there somewhere, and he’ll come for his brother. He’s going to rescue him, and we need to prepare.” I look around the room, even though I’ve got no idea what to do. I need to get to Connor. Maybe try to wheel him out. Can I stand on my feet and walk?
“The staff is upset that they won’t let us leave the hospital. We’re sleeping in our lounges. Normally, we’d sleep in the empty rooms, but we can’t since the injured people from the riots and territorial wars keep coming in.”
“What room is he in?” I try again.
She turns away. “I have to go.”
“Please stay with me. If you need sleep, I’ll scoot over. I’ll go sit and give you the bed, but don’t leave me with Sergei.”
“I can’t stay with your husband in the room. I’m scared he’ll hurt my baby.”
I curse. “You’re right.”
She bites her lip again. “Before I sedated…him, he asked about you. I told him you were okay.”
“Thank you.”
“He also said to open the blinds.”
I look at the blinds. That’s weird. “Why would he say that?”
The nurse shrugs. “Do you want me to open them?”
I nod. “Sure. I mean, why not? If that’s what he said.”
The nurse pulls the blinds open, revealing the city. Since I’m on the tenth floor, I have a clear view of our city’s historic landmark. Two fires burn near it.
The nurse stands by the window. “A beautiful city with some really messed-up people running it.”
“Yeah. Those fires are too close to Rount Maletia. Have you been there yet?”
“Not yet. I’m thinking about bailing out of here. This job isn’t worth the money.”
“I don’t blame you. If you do decide to bail, you could use the thirty-five thousand I’m offering you.”
“I can’t get involved in this mess.”
“I should probably tell you where I hid it anyway. I don’t think I’ll be getting out of this room alive.”
“Don’t say that.”
Tears run down my cheeks. “Actually, do you have a pen and paper? I’ll write down my address and where you can find the money.” When she hesitates, I extend a hand. “Come on. We don’t have all day. My ex could walk back in here any minute.”
The nurse digs for the pen and some paper, and her badge flips toward me. I read her name. “Ekatia. That’s a very nice Selnoan name.” She’s not from around here but her parents might be or they could’ve visited and liked this name.
She unlatches the badge and shoves it into her pocket. “Thanks.” She folds the note and drops it into her pocket with the badge. “Do you need to use the bathroom?”
“No, but a glass of cranberry juice would be nice.” I write down what I need to and hand her the paper.
The door opens, and Sergei walks in carrying a Styrofoam cup. He opens his mouth to say something, but a bullet pierces the window and hits the middle of his forehead.
