Page 125 of Kaine

Chapter Forty-Eight

HER

Xavier’s car is waitingby the time I walk out of Kaine’s apartment building.

“How is he?”

“He’s getting better.”

“Can I come visit?” I ask, already knowing the answer.

“I think... not just yet.”

“This is freaking stupid, Xavier.”

“I agree, but he needs to be focused on other things right now. You guys have the rest of your lives.”

“Which could’ve been cut very short just a day ago!”

“I know. Just... look, how about you help me figure out what’s going on? You’ve been so close to Kaine lately, maybe we’re missing something, he’s missed something. I’m going to the office now. Tell me everything he’s told you on the way, maybe he’s shared something with you he didn’t tell me.”

“And then maybe you can do me the same favour.”

***

It’s strange enteringKaine’s office without him.

There’s only supposed to be a skeleton staff on today, the core essentials working on the phones, fielding calls about the fire, and those who have urgent assignments. Kaine had his Vice President send out a memo, stating that everyone could stay at home to recover from the ordeal, and even those who hadn’t been there could take a day off to support each other.

But when we get to ASH Industries, it seems it’s busier than ever.

“Why are there so many people here?” I ask Xavier as we watch them while we travel up Kaine’s private elevator.

“I don’t know. They know they have the day off, I guess... I suppose they all just wanted to come to work.”

“Maybe it’s easier to be together right now, than apart,” I say, and Xavier doesn’t miss the meaning.

“Maybe.”

“If only Kaine felt that way.”

“He does. He just... feels other things as well.”

“You know him well.”

“Probably only second to you.”

“How do you two even know each other?”

“Let’s just say... we both have a similar life goal.” A soft smile drifts over Xavier’s face.

“Care to share?”

“No,” comes the curt answer.

“So, same in that regard as well.” I give him a weak smile just as the elevator doors open.

The floor is dark and deathly quiet. Not even the hum of computers or lights.