He raises his eyes from my chest. “Yes.”
I take the water, brushing my fingers with his. He looks away as I drain the bottle. It’s evening, and this area of the facility is now empty after Adam left.
“What’s up?” I ask.
“I spoke with Helena.”
“As in Mother?”
“Yes. I told her that I’d be leaving for High Hope with Timothy. She communicated with River, and he said that he and Josh would meet us in High Hope.”
I take in his words. I haven’t decided yet how to handle Finn’s request for me to escort him, but this changes things.
“Are you sure he’s going to be there?” For a second, I wonder if he’s just saying that to make me agree to come, then I feel like an ass for thinking that.
“Well, I only know what Helena told me. Things might happen on their way there. I want to leave in three days. It’s up to you whether to come or not.”
“I’m not managing my own assignments. I’ll need to get approval for something like that, likely from the general himself.”
“I know, but first you need to make a decision. I won’t beg.”
No, he wouldn’t. He has as much pride as I do, maybe even more. “I’ll talk to him and get a sense of where he stands. In the meantime, use the time to practice shooting.”
“You know I don’t like guns.”
“I reckon you’ll like dying even less.”
He sighs. We’ve had this discussion before, but whether or not he’ll have me protecting him on this journey, it’s going to be dangerous. “I know how to use a gun, but I have other ways to defend myself.”
“Your sharp tongue can only take you so far. You should—” I look down when I catch him moving his hand. Before I can ask what he’s doing, I feel the cold blade against my neck.
“I have more than my sharp tongue, okay?”
I’d chuckle, but I don’t want to cut myself. “Okay.”
He removes the blade. “If you can’t make it, we’ll need to get somebody else. Please let me know as soon as you can.”
He walks away, but I still feel his blade against my neck, and I don’t mind the feeling.
*
I need to wait an hour for General McCoy to see me, but I did show up without an appointment. His office is mostly taken up by a large table covered with maps, but he’s currently sitting behind his desk. I salute, and he gestures for me to sit.
“How are you holding up?”
Since I’m not here to talk about my feelings, there’s only one right answer. “I’m doing better, sir. Ready to get back out there.”
“Yes, your major told me about your little… discussion.”
I shift in my seat. “Yes, sir.”
“At some point, threatening to resign will stop being cute. Remember that.”
I’m allowed to leave the force as long as I’ve completed at least four years of service. I’m now in my tenth year, and I can’t see myself doing anything else. It was never just a job for me, but a calling, yet I won’t stay at all costs, and it’s important for them to realize that.
“Perhaps I should’ve shown more respect to the major,” I say.
“I hope your shooting is better than your apologies. Regardless, you’ll get a squad, but it will take some time. I’m sure you’re not interested in a bunch of new recruits.”
