She's tactical. Doesn't panic.
Warden
Good.
She wants to move on Kelly and Turner.
Riot
Of course she does.
Warden
We'll deal with that when she gets here.
Right now, we secure the ranch.
Riot
Agreed.
Agreed.
Warden
ETA?
1820.
Warden
Copy. We'll be ready.
Bring your girl in.
61
LILY
The last appointment wraps up before six. Mrs. Jenkins's golden retriever is good to go, and I walk them to the front desk. Handing off the paperwork to my receptionist, I turn to survey the waiting room.
Mason is still sitting in the same chair, looking like he hasn’t moved a muscle in hours. Shadow stretches across the floor beside him like a furry sentinel. The dog's head lifts when I appear, tail thumping once in acknowledgment before settling back down. Mason doesn't move, but I feel his attention shift to me like a physical thing.
Mrs. Jenkins glances at him as she hurries past him. She turns away, then glances again. He's wearing a dark henley and jeans, his forearms crossed over his chest, his expression completely neutral. He looks like he could kill someone with his bare hands and not break a sweat.
He probably could.
“I’ll close up,” I tell my receptionist, knowing she has plans tonight and will be eager to leave. “Go ahead and head out.”
She doesn't need to be told twice. Within five minutes, the clinic is empty except for me, Mason, and Shadow.
I lean against the counter, trying to figure out what to do with the nervous energy coiling in my stomach. “I can’t believe you waited all day for me.”
“Not all day. Just a few hours.” He stands, Shadow rising with him in perfect synchronization. “You ready?”
I nod, but I'm not thinking about the drive to Blackthorn Ranch. I'm thinking about what comes after. About arriving at the ranch. About where I'll sleep.
The question sits heavy in my chest as I grab my bag and lock up behind us.
