Page 12 of The Fall Before Flight

I clear my throat. “I thought you and Kinsey were banging.”

“We aren’t—haven’t.”

He looks away, but not fast enough to hide the emotion in his eyes. I feel a familiar swell of pleasure, like a child unwrapping their favorite lollypop. Only my candy is secrets. The special triggers everyone carries that when pressed, explode lives.

Nix is in love with Kinsey Kemper. Puppies, hearts, and chocolate love. Have my babies and grow old with me love.

Gross. And oddly sweet.

While I’m considering what to do with my new candy, he says, “I’m leaving tomorrow. Kinsey has another couple of weeks.” He looks at me imploringly. “She has issues, I know, but she’s not a bad person once you get to know her. I’m worried she’s being taken advantage of.”

“Have you considered asking her what’s going on?”

He nods curtly. “She denied it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. She’s covering for him.”

Do you think I would abuse my power?

As I remember Chastain’s words, Nix continues morosely, “This is difficult for me to say, because I really believe Dr. Chastain saved my life. I feel better than I have in twenty years. I just… don’t know what to think.”

Neither do I, but I’m not about to admit that. “You’re forgetting that I don’t care. Christ, if you’re that worried, grow some balls and hire a lawyer. Pretty sure doctors shouldn’t be screwing their patients.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Not my problem.”

His shoulders slump in defeat; a moment later, anger brings him to his feet. He storms past me, throwing over his shoulder, “Have a shitty life, Mia.”

The front door slams behind him. My lips curl in distaste as an unfamiliar feeling washes through me. Shame? No…

Guilt.

“Goddammit.” I storm outside after him. He’s already halfway to his cabin, three down from mine.

“Fine!” I yell.

Nix stops and spins around. He stares at me for several weighted moments, then nods before resuming his walk.

The door of the cabin beside mine opens and a shirtless Callum walks outside, head swiveling between Nix’s back and me.

“What was that about?”

I pout. “Bastard wouldn’t airdrop booze for me when he gets out.”

His brows rise. “Oh, that’s right. He’s out tomorrow. Keep forgetting.” He chuckles. “Did you really ask him to airdrop alcohol?”

“Hell yes, I did. If I’d known this was a dry town, I would’ve never gotten in that car.”

Grinning, Callum glances at his watch. “You’re late.”

“Shit!”

I’m ten fast steps toward the facility when Callum calls out behind me. “Ohhh, Miiiaaaa? Aren’t you forgetting something?”

I shove my middle finger in the air and keep walking, ignoring the laughter that rings out.

At the back door of the Fish Tank, I pull off my gravel-ridden running socks and drop them on the cement, then step inside and stride down the left hallway.

The office door is open, Dr. Chastain already seated in his customary chair.

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