Page 113 of Controlled Burn
“Brooks has access.” A pause. “But it could go deeper.”
Dean’s fist slammed the doorframe once, sharp enough to rattle glass.
He found Talia by the turnout rack, hands still, expression unreadable.
“We need to talk. Now.”
She followed. No hesitation.
Inside the office, she didn’t stall.
“I know it’s Brooks,” she said.
Calm. Controlled. Dangerous.
“He told me. Days ago. He said he’s been watching me. Said no one would believe me.”
Dean’s chest burned. Rage coiled under his skin like wire.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
She met his eyes. Steady.
“Because you can’t be the one to save me every time.”
A beat.
“But I am now.”
He nodded. Slow. One time. Pride burned beneath the fury. Not the kind you wear. The type you carry like weight.
“You’re not alone.”
“I know.”
Her voice didn’t crack. Her gaze didn’t waver.
“But I needed to do something for myself first.”
She didn’t explain.
She didn’t have to.
Chapter 42
Hot Zone
Maddox
Dawn cracked over the station lot, casting the rigs in bruised orange and scorched gold. Dean pulled in beneath the half-open bay doors, boots grinding against gravel. The station should’ve felt quiet—cleansed—but the static in his gut had only sharpened overnight. It was like something was charging in the air.
Talia passed him in full gear, eyes shadowed, jaw locked. She didn’t slow, but their eyes met—just a flicker. It landed like a jolt to the chest.
McKenna found him beside the engine, voice low and direct.
“Chief wants you. Now.”
Dean nodded. “Understood.”
