Page 20 of King

King’s eyes shifted toward the closed door. “I’ll take care of it,” he said, his voice firm.

Jessie hesitated, her tear-streaked face full of emotion. “Someone’s going to need to make arrangements for Lee,” she said quietly, her voice trembling. “I can help if Amara needs anything.”

King’s jaw clenched at the mention of Lee, but he nodded. “Thanks.”

As Jessie and Jake left, King glanced at Sloan. “I’m going to need some time off.”

Sloan actually chuckled. “I don’t consider this shitshow time off. I’ll have Kent and Butch take your rotations.” Sloan headed down the hallway. “Keep me informed.”

King nodded as he stood in the hallway, gathering his composure. He took a deep breath before pushing the door to Joey’s room open. Amara sat beside Joey’s bed, her hands clasped tightly together, her face pale and drawn with worry.

“You need to eat,” King said gently but firmly as he stepped inside and shut the door.

Amara glanced up at him, defiance flickering in her tired eyes. “I’m fine,” she murmured.

“You’re not,” King replied, crossing his arms and planting himself in front of her. “Joey’s going to need you strong, especially tomorrow. Don’t argue with me on this.”

Amara opened her mouth to protest, but the unwavering intensity in King’s gaze silenced her. She sighed heavily, nodding in reluctant agreement. “Okay.”

“Good,” King said, his tone softening. “Let’s go.”

“I don’t want to leave him alone,” Amara said, shaking her head as she cast a worried glance at Joey.

“He’s not alone,” Jill interjected as she entered the room and took the seat Jessie had vacated. “Slade and I aren’t going anywhere. Plus, Slade gave him some pain medication to help him rest. Eat and get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day. I swear I’ll call you if anything changes.”

Amara hesitated but finally stood, her gaze lingering on Joey before she followed King out of the room. As they reached the hallway, they were met by a uniformed police officer.

“Can I help you?” King asked, his voice sharp with suspicion.

“I hope so,” the officer replied, his frown hinting at the unpleasant nature of his task. “We were told Lee Tarvin’s family could be found here.”

“For what?” King demanded before Amara could speak.

“We need someone to provide a positive ID of the body,” the officer said, his tone heavy with discomfort.

Amara’s breath hitched, and she whispered, “I’m his sister.”

The officer nodded respectfully. “I’m sorry for your loss, ma’am.”

King stepped in. “I’ll bring her when she’s ready,” he assured the officer, who nodded and walked away.

Once the officer disappeared, King took Amara’s hand and led her toward the elevators. The moment the doors closed, and they were alone, Amara crumpled, folding into herself as the weight of everything crushed her. Without a word, King pushed the emergency stop button and pulled her into his arms.

Her sobs tore through him as he held her tightly, his voice soft but firm. “You’re not alone in this, Amara. I swear to you, just as I swore to Joey...I will find the ones responsible, and they will pay.”

Amara’s hands gripped his shirt as her sobs began to subside. Finally, she whispered, “Thank you.”

King pulled back slightly, looking down into her tear-streaked face. “Joey needs you now more than ever. What you’re going through isn’t fair, but you’re strong. You’ll get through this.”

Amara wiped at her eyes, sniffling as she looked up at him. “You’re a good man, King.”

King gave her a crooked grin. “Yeah, I’m pretty awesome.”

A laugh bubbled out of her, and it warmed his chest. “I can see why Joey likes you so much,” she said, placing a hand on his arm. “Seriously, King, thank you for everything.”

King nodded, pressing the button to restart the elevator. “It’s what I do, Amara. I take care of my people and the innocent. No need to thank me.”

The elevator doors opened onto the cafeteria floor, and Amara followed King to the food counter. She picked out half a sandwich and a drink. They found a quiet corner table to sit at.

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