Page 28 of Raven's Curse
A couple orderlies appeared around the corner, talking with Greer before erecting a makeshift tent around the body. Saving what evidence they could from washing away. Unlike his mental health. The wind shifted, and it slipped away on a surge of rainwater, his last shred of sanity drifting further away with every drop. Drowning in the puddles. Swirling away with the runoff.
Kash shouldered up beside him, face grim, his hands shoved into his jacket pockets. He didn’t talk, just leaned against the wall, staring at the water running in rivulets along the courtyard.
Chase kicked at the muddy grass. “I should’ve been able to bring her back.”
Kash sighed. “Losing people sucks, but it’s part of the job. You did everything you could.”
“I’m sure that’s a comfort to Rhett and Stacey.”
“Jesus, Chase, cut yourself some slack. You’re not God.”
“No, just cursed. It just took a bit longer to manifest than with my dad.”
“You’re not cursed, and you’re not your father.” Kash pushed off the wall and turned to face him. “I realize losing Rhett broke something inside you. That you saw last night as your second chance. That forgiveness you’ve been looking for since retiring. That all of this is somehow your fault. And I’m the last person who’d ever tell you to get over it. Hell, we’re all to blame for Rhett’s death because we were all in that fucking helicopter.” He took a step closer. “What I will say, is that if you couldn’t bring either of them back, then they were never going to survive. You’re hands down the best damn medic I’ve ever seen.”
Chase whipped his head down when Nyx nosed his thigh before sitting next to him. Nothing overt, just her easy pressure against his leg. The occasional nudge when he stopped scratching behind her ears.
Kash looked at Nyx, then up to Chase. “We’re worried about you, brother.”
He took a few steps back. “And for the record. That forgiveness you’re trying to find…” He motioned toward Greer, then back. “It’s not at the bottom of a medic bag.”
Chase stared at him, his tongue too thick to work, until Nyx finally trotted over to Kash, glancing back at Chase one more time before following Kash when he sighed and strode off, stopping next to Jordan. She smiled, nodding at something he said before they headed for the corner. What Chase assumed was further clearing of the facility. Maybe evacuating the residents if Faraday couldn’t get the power back on.
Chase glanced at Greer. Head bent in conversation, she looked almost regal as she handled everyone. Allocating resources without losing her cool, all while constantly scouring the grounds. Guarding everyone’s six.
She must have felt him staring, because she paused then focused on him, eyes narrowed, her head tilting to one side. The same expression she’d given him last night when she’d told him she’d hunt his ass down if he tried to ditch her.
He scrubbed a hand down his face, then grabbed his bag. Second night in a row he’d have to restock — not that having all his supplies had mattered.
Greer appeared at his side, palm resting on her weapon, gaze still searching the tree line. “I’m gonna be here a while. I’m sending Kash and Jordan home once they’ve cleared the building with Nyx. You should catch a lift.”
He frowned. “And just leave you here? Alone?”
“Bodie and Eli will be here once they’re back on shift. My apartment’s not far. I’ll be fine.”
“Right up until someone targets you, next.” He swung his bag over his back. “I’m staying. And you’re not spending the night alone. You choose where, but… You’re stuck with me.”
He pushed past her. “I’ll go toss my bag in your Bronco.”
He struck off, the intensity of her gaze following him to the corner nearly crippling him. While he wasn’t ready to act on what they’d been building for the past several months — allow himself to feel anything other than the fire raging beneath his skin — he wasn’t about to compromise her safety.
Having her walk away was one thing. Allowing this bastard to hurt her…
He’d die before he let that happen because despite everything — his training, all his tough talk — he knew he’d never come back from that.
Chapter Eight
“Greer.”
Greer jolted awake, nearly catching Chase in the jaw as he loomed over her, eyes narrowed, mouth pinched tight. She clutched her hand to her chest as she searched the room for some kind of threat before relaxing against the back of the couch, pain already creeping into her neck.
She scrubbed a hand down her face. “What time is it?”
“Early. Just shy of seven.”
“Did Shirley call? Is there another body?—”
“Nothing’s wrong, it’s just…” He sighed. “You were dreaming, and it didn’t sound like a good one.”
