Page 103 of From Air

Again, he grabs my arm. We have a silent standoff.

I glance at the door. “I need you to let me do this my way.”

Gary frowns, but he releases me.

This is my life. And when I read the message from Melissa, I was reminded whythisis my life.

The debrief is quick. I finish my day like it’s any other day. And I do it under the scrutiny of Gary’s watchful eye.

I go home.

I make dinner.

I wash my dishes.

Will arrives home from his tai chi just as I head up the stairs.

“Hey.” He tosses his keys on the table.

“Hey,” I say, making it halfway up the stairs before stopping. “Listen.” I turn. “Melissa, Jamie’s friend, messaged me. Two days ago, Jamie wasaccidentallyattacked—”

“What the hell?!”

I shake my head. “She’s fine. It was a concussion and a broken nose. I haven’t had a chance to get back with her, so that’s all I know.”

“Well, how long have you been home? What do you mean you haven’t had a chance to get back with her? When did you get the message?”

“Yesterday.”

“What the fuck, Fitz?” Will pulls his phone out of his pocket. “Does Maren know?”

“I was on a call. I couldn’t exactly leave or send out a group text.”

“Hopefully, Maren will see my text and reply.” Will lifts his gaze and eyes me with disapproval. “She’ll go see her, or I could take a few days off to go see her.” He heads toward the kitchen.

I run a hand through my hair and follow him. “I’m going to go,” I say.

Will pulls his empty water bottle from his bag. “I’m sure she’d rather see Maren, no offense.”

“No, she wouldn’t,” I counter with slow, calculated words.

Will eyes me. “What do you mean by that?” He pulls his phone from his pocket. “It’s Maren. Hey.” He answers it on speaker.

“Jesus Christ, what do you mean Jamie was attacked? What the hell? Are you with Fitz? God, I hope he’s already with her.”

Will squints at me. “Why wouldhealready be with her?”

The line goes silent.

“I’m here, Maren. Will and I were just starting to discuss why I’m going to visit her. It’s a broken nose and concussion. I’ll let you know when I find out any more information.”

“Okay. Well, I’m sorry, Fitz. But it’s time,” Maren says.

“Time for what?” Will narrows his eyes.

“I’ll be home tomorrow. Give her my love.” Maren ends the call.

“Did youfuckour roommate?” Will’s words cut through the tense air as he slides his phone onto the counter with one hand and parks his other hand on his hip.

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