Page 54 of Hearts & Embers

Several minutes later I followed him into his office and closed the door behind me. Cole studied me for a moment before leaning back in his chair. The expression on his face suggested he already knew exactly how the discussion would unfold.

"You look worse than you did after shoulder surgery."

I laughed despite myself.

"That's encouraging."

"It wasn't intended to be."

I lowered myself into the chair opposite him.

"What did I do now?"

Cole folded his arms.

"Nothing."

The answer caught me slightly off guard.

"Then why am I here?"

A small smile appeared.

"Because you're being an idiot."

The conversation somehow felt familiar already.

"I see."

Cole shook his head.

"No, you don't, which is part of the problem."

I waited and eventually he continued.

"Aurora came to see me."

The statement immediately captured my attention and I sat forward.

"When?"

"Earlier today when you were out on call."

Several questions arrived simultaneously.

"Why?"

Cole's smile widened slightly.

"That's between Aurora and me."

I stared at him.

"You're not going to tell me?"

"No."

"Then why bring it up?"