Page 247 of Red Marked

“Yes. She’s eager to see her family.”

“Is she coming back?”

“Yes. She wants to keep her job.”

“I think she wants to keep you.”

I laugh. “Stop. She loves the job, okay? She wants to help find the other missing males. She knows what they look like. She gets along well with the team. It’s a no-brainer.”

“She also wants to be near you.”

“Nonsense. I told her she can come back when I leave for the second clinic. I didn’t think it was a good idea, the two of us working together.”

“Why would you do a stupid thing like that? No. Don’t answer. I get it. It’s because you have feelings for her.”

“Not true. I can’t supervise someone I’ve had sex with.”

“That’s bullshit, and you know it. If it was just sex, you’d move on and oversee her without blinking. It wasn’t, so you can’t.”

“I don’t think it’s right. That’s all.”

“You are so full of shit.” I can imagine him shaking his head. “You’re going to regret letting her go. I’m telling you now. Tell her how you feel, Flint. Stop running away from the truth.”

“Stop already. I don’t want to have this conversation again.”

“Tough shit. Go and speak to her. Face up to your feelings.”

“It’s better if there’s a clean break. I’ll stay away from her for a while, and it’ll all be fine.”

“Better for who? Stop being such a damned pussy. You’re afraid of getting in too deep and getting hurt. I’m telling you that’s what this is about. You’re protecting yourself.”

“Nah, that’s not it. I’m more afraid of hurting her.”

“Then go and speak to her. Tell her about your past. She’ll understand. I’m sure of it.”

I don’t tell him I already have. He’ll read into it.

“I’ll think about it.”

“Do it, asshole.”

“Okay. Fine. Fuck.” I close my eyes. “I’ll do it just to get you off my back.” I sigh.

“Fucking thank you!” he yells, and I have to hold the phone away from my ear. “I want to hear all about it.”

“No. Mind your business. Send my love to Carla.”

I put the phone down and shake my head, grinning.

The grin doesn’t last. It leaves the second I think about walking down that corridor and finding her.

I scrub a hand over my face.

68

Star

The canteen looks like a campsite. There are mattresses along one wall with blankets folded neatly on top of them. Everyone is chattering while they have lunch. There are squeals when cans of soda are opened, followed by sighs as sips are taken. I had the kitchen make burgers because I can still remember how good my first burger was after getting out of the jungle.