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James

We saw her go down. It didn’t look good.

Archer

Yeah, I’ve never seen her that pale. My argument with the mayor didn’t help either.

James

It looked like things got pretty heated. Everything okay?

Archer

No idea. At this rate, I don’t care. I just need to make sure Juliet’s okay, but they won’t give me any information.

James

They won’t let you back there?

Archer

No.

James

Not even if you say you’re the boyfriend? (You are the boyfriend, finally, right?)

His text finally manages to crack my frown.

Archer

Dang straight.

James laughs at my message.

James

Keep us updated. I doubt Sadie will be able to sleep tonight until she finds out Juliet’s okay.

I give his message a “like,” then pocket my phone, waiting only a few more minutes before walking to the front desk again.

“Sorry, hon,” the receptionist says with a wince. “I still can’t give any information.”

“Not even to let me know if she’s fine?” I press.

“If you’re not next of kin or have no permission, you⁠—”

“It’s okay.”

The mayor’s gravelly voice sounds nearby, and I turn to face him, the doors slowly drawing to a close behind him.

“He has the patient’s permission to come in,” Mr. Monroe finishes.

The nurse hesitates. “If it’s not in the paperwork...”

But the mayor hands her a document, and she nods, motioning for us both to go on.

I look at the mayor, unmoving.