Page 32 of Broken Oath

Only silence.

“Tex.”

Nothing.

His pulse thundered.

“Hammer.”

The empty room gave him no answer.

“Bishop.”

His throat closed.

The door burst open.

A nurse rushed inside. Her shoes squeaked against the polished floor as she crossed the room.

“Mr. Cole!”

Rook barely heard her.

His fingers wrapped around the bed rail.

White-knuckled.

“Where are they?”

The nurse stopped.

Just for a second.

A tiny hesitation.

A small drop of her eyes.

But Rook saw it.

Sympathy.

Pity.

The answer.

His stomach turned to ice.

“No.”

“Please lie back. You’re going to tear your stitches.”

“No.”

“Mr. Cole⁠—”

“That isn’t my name.”

The words came out harsh enough to make her step back.