Hersh held onto me like he was tired too.
Not Ranger.
Not a protector.
Just Hersh.
The boy who lost pieces of himself trying to save strangers.
Behind us, Vaughn shifted painfully against the floor.
Then smiled weakly again.
Mistake.
“You really think this town survives what’s coming?”
The warmth vanished from Hersh immediately.
Ifelt it happen.
Like a switch flipping.
He slowly pulled back from me.
Turned.
And Vaughn flinched.
Actually flinched.
Good.
Hersh walked toward him carefully.
Deliberately.
And suddenly every person in the tavern straightened slightly.
Because the atmosphere changed again.
Not emotional now.
Predatory.
“You keep talking like somebody’s coming to save you,” Hersh said softly.
Vaughn tried to smirk.
Failed.
“Senator has people everywhere.”
“Maybe.”
Hersh crouched slowly in front of him again.
Then smiled.
