Page 79 of Close Protection

"Thank you," Ivy said, meaning it for more than just the medical care. Dr. Mars's easy acceptance of their situation, without questions or judgment, felt like a gift.

"Chief Marten will be here shortly," Dr. Mars added. "She's requested a brief statement when you're up to it. I've informed her you have fifteen minutes, maximum."

Julia's posture shifted slightly. "Dr. Mars has been…protective."

"Someone needs to be, when you're both determined to ignore medical advice." Dr. Mars completed her examination. "I'll send in a nurse with additional pain medicationshortly. And Detective Scott"—she fixed Julia with a pointed look—"I expect you to use the cot we provided at some point. Your vigilance won't help Dr. Monroe if you collapse from exhaustion."

After the doctor left, Ivy turned to Julia, taking in the full extent of her injuries in the unforgiving hospital light. Beneath the professional control, exhaustion had carved shadows beneath her eyes and tightened the corners of her mouth.

"You look terrible," Ivy said, her free hand reaching to brush a strand of hair from Julia's forehead.

"Thanks." The ghost of a smile touched Julia's lips. "You should see the other guy."

"I did. You weren't gentle."

"No." Something fierce and unapologetic flashed in Julia's eyes. "I wasn't."

The simple acknowledgment hung between them, weighted with everything that had shifted since Knox's men had invaded Julia's apartment. The rules that had been broken. The lines that had been crossed.

"Morgan said Knox is secure," Julia continued, her thumb still tracing patterns on Ivy's hand as if to reassure herself of herpresence. "There are federal charges along with local prosecution. Lieutenant Harper and two other officers are in custody. The department's in chaos, but Diana has control of the immediate situation."

"And you?" Ivy asked, the question carrying layers beneath the surface. "Are you in chaos too?"

Julia's gaze met hers directly, all pretense of professional distance abandoned. "I crossed every line, Ivy. I violated department protocol, ignored direct orders, and assaulted suspects without proper procedure." Her voice remained steady despite the confession. "And I would do it again. All of it."

Before Ivy could respond, a gentle knock preceded Chief Diana Marten's entrance. The imposing woman carried herself with the same commanding presence Ivy remembered from their brief interactions, though exhaustion had left its mark in the additional silver threading through her short dark hair.

"Dr. Monroe," she said, her voice carrying the same quiet authority it had during their first meeting. "Detective Scott."

Julia straightened instinctively but didn't release Ivy's hand. "Chief."

Diana took in the scene with observant eyes that missed nothing. "You've both had an eventful forty-eight hours."

"You could say that," Ivy replied.

"Knox is being processed through federal channels," Diana said, moving to the foot of the bed. "His organization is collapsing rapidly. Your financial evidence has been instrumental in securing warrants for seventeen additional properties and accounts."

"And the infrastructure acquisitions?" Ivy asked.

"Under emergency review by regulatory agencies," Diana confirmed. "Your work disrupted his control network before it could become fully operational."

Pride flickered across Julia's face as she looked at Ivy. "Told you it was impressive."

Diana's gaze shifted between them, something softening in her expression. "Detective Scott's methods in your extraction and recovery were...unorthodox, to say the least."

"But effective," Ivy said.

"Indeed." Diana's mouth quirked slightly. "Though I suspect we'll be reviewing department procedures for some time."

Julia tensed beside her. "Chief, I take full responsibility for?—"

Diana held up a hand, cutting her off. "Julia, you'll have plenty of time for official statements later. Right now, I'm here as Diana, not Chief Marten." She met Julia's gaze directly. "Knox's organization has been targeting our department for years. His infrastructure plan would have compromised critical city services. Your actions—both of you—prevented that."

"There will be consequences," Julia said, the statement not a question.

"Oh, absolutely," Diana agreed. "Paperwork, review boards, procedural evaluations." Her expression remained neutral, but something like respect showed in her eyes. "And probably a commendation, once the dust settles."

Ivy felt Julia's surprise in the subtle stiffening of her fingers. "A commendation?"

---