Average.
Safe.
But we’re not normal, and safety is an illusion I stopped believing in a long time ago.
Friday Morning, Day 26
The clinic is quiet except for the steady hum of monitors. Pale sunlight slips through the blinds, painting stripes across Hudson’s chest. I’ve showered and dressed for the day, but I didn’t want to leave until I’d seen him again.
He looks better than in the dark hours. His color has returned and his breathing is even, like the dawn has bargained him a little more life.
I’m holding his hand when the door opens.
Enzo steps in. His broad frame fills the doorway. He pauses when he sees me, then clears his throat.
I feel the air change.
His eyes land on my hand holding Hudson’s.
I pull back reflexively, as if burned. I push up from the chair. “I should—” I start.
He lifts a hand. “Stay.” The word sounds heavy. He doesn’t move closer. We’re awkward satellites, orbiting Hudson but avoiding each other’s gravity.
Before I can find something safe to say, Eva breezes in, tablet in hand, expression tight. “News cycle’s spinning. Malin’s death is everywhere. Threads connect him to half of DC.”
“I just got word,” I add. “Cramden’s office called me in. Damage control, I’m sure.”
“I’ll sit with him,” Enzo says. An escape route offered to both of us.
Jules strides in and gives Hudson a once-over.
I keep my eyes on Hudson, on Eva’s tablet, on anything but the man across the room.
Enzo hasn’t glanced my way since he walked in. If ignoring me were an Olympic sport, he’d be taking gold before breakfast. Idon’t want it to bother me. I don’t let men crawl under my skin, but somehow, I’ve ended up with two lodged there anyway—one I’m begging to wake so I can finally breathe, the other staging a world-class disappearing act from six feet away.
“Anyone seen Luna?” Jules asks, breaking me out of my pity spiral.
“Right here,” Luna says as she pushes through the doorway with her phone in hand. “FBI wants me at HQ. I’m guessing Hudson will have received the same message. I can cover, keep them from sniffing too close, and see what chatter they’re pushing about Malin.”
Jules seems to be contemplating if anyone should leave . . . Surprisingly well-acted, given that we’ve already decided to get out of here. “Any word from Cramden’s office yet?”
Someone give my sister the Oscar already.
I tilt my chin in confirmation.
The room fills with voices. Eva lists several cover stories, Luna questions how deep Troy’s people may already be digging and what Redline can look into, and Enzo paces near the window.
No one questions why Luna or I decide to leave. The new plan is holding.
Good.
Suddenly, a low groan cuts through the noise. Hudson shifts, lashes fluttering. His lips part, voice rough but familiar. “Didn’t realize I was this popular.”
Relief cracks the room open.
Luna mutters something about grabbing the doctor before slipping out. The rest of us pile closer, like kids at a birthday party.
Hudson opens his eyes to find himself mobbed. At once, we all fire questions and relief in unison. He groans like we’re torturing him, but I know he loves it.
