Chapter 48 Duty Calls

• Nina stirred at the sound of engines outside, her heart leaping before her mind caught up. She pushed herself upright on the narrow bed, listening intently as doors slammed, voices rumbled low, and the heavy thud of boots crossed the floor.
• Her pulse quickened. The boots were too many, five, maybe more, but she recognized their rhythm. Bryan’s measured stride. Logan’s impatient stomp. And Darren’s… steady, deliberate, unhurried, like he carried his own silence with him.
• Nina’s lips curved into a small, private smile. They were leaving. Which meant, finally, he would stay behind. Finally, she would have him to herself, even for just a little while.