Page 59 of Land of Shadow

“What was that?” I gesture toward the window. “A protest?”

He throws his hands up. “People will always complain no matter what we do. The Army has already cleared the zone, so you’re safe. Just … don’t wander too far from here.” His visage turns even more grim. “I’m going to skin your Secret Service agent.”

I’d forgotten about him. “Is he okay? Was he out there?”

“No, he was taking a break, one that involved smoking weed on the loading dock. You won’t be seeing him again.”

“Good. She has all the protection she needs.”

I jump as Valen walks in and stops at the window in his usual spot.

“In fact, I’ve taken the rooms on the floor below to ensure her safety since you’ve proven incompetent at best, intentionally derelict in your duty at worst.”

Vince stands. “Is that what Gregor wants? You’re going to be her jailor from now on?”

“Shouldn’t you be scurrying back to the White House?” Valen doesn’t bother to turn around. “Perhaps it’s time for another press conference?”

Vince turns red, his eyes narrowing. “If you touch a hair on her head, you’ll?—”

“Regret it, rue the day, so on and so forth.” Valen sighs. “You’re dismissed.”

Vince fists his hands. “Georgia, like I said, don’t trust a single one of them.”

“I won’t. I can’t,” I answer honestly as I get to my feet, my body aching and tired.

His face softens as he looks at me. “A fucking mess.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t use gas on peaceful protesters, hmm?”

“Peaceful?” Vince scoffs. “That’s cute. They want to bring down the government, even if it means it falls right on their stupid heads.” He steps over to me and pats me awkwardly on the shoulder. “I’m watching out for Juno, all right? I need you to watch out for yourself.”

“You can count on me.” I give him a sad thumbs-up.

He gives me a not-so-sure look but doesn’t argue. “I have to get back.”

“Hey, will you tell Juno …” I pause. What can I say to her? What could ever encompass all the things I’ve learned about her in the past month? Emotion bubbles up, so much of it raw and unspeakable. I take a deep breath and say, “Tell her I’m all right.”

“Will do.” He squeezes my shoulder then trudges away down the hall. When the elevator opens, I hear several voices all at once.

Valen groans and crosses his arms as he continues looking out over DC.

“—course we can see her. We’re doctors, asshole.” Evie is giving someone hell.

I peek around the corner and see everyone pouring into the apartment.

“Wait, this is her place? Bullshit!” Aang throws his hands up. “Mine’s not even half this size. A kitchen! She has a kitchen! What the fu?—”

“Aang, can it,” Gretchen scolds and rolls past him, spotting me. “Are you okay?” She stops when she sees Valen, his back to the room. Her eyes wide, she glances between us.

“Yeah.” My voice dies on a croak, and I have several painful coughs before I try to speak again. “Yeah, I’m okay.” It sounds even worse the second time.

“Jesus.” Evie similarly gawks at Valen, who doesn’t have the decency to even address the newcomers, then takes my arms and walks me backwards. “Sit down before you fall down.”

“What about you?” I ask as she gently helps me back to the sofa. “Your eyes are red.”

“It’s nothing.” She waves a hand, then dabs at her nose with a tissue. “My mucous membranes were made for chemical warfare.” She sniffles and gives a wry smile. “You got the worst of it. What the hell happened? We were running, and then I looked at you, but you were gone.”

“I fell.” I shrug.

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