Page 40 of Broken Oath

“Guarding us?”

The nurse nodded.

“She’s been here every day.”

No one spoke.

The nurse’s voice lowered, as if saying the words too loudly might bring the woman back.

“She sat in that chair by the window.”

Rook’s gaze moved toward it.

Empty now.

Too empty.

“She never talked unless she had to,” the nurse continued. “I never saw her sleep. She didn’t eat in front of us. She never asked for anything.”

“Military?” Sniper asked.

“I don’t think so.”

“Government?” Fathom asked.

“I don’t know.”

“What did she look like?”

The nurse shook her head slowly.

“Like someone you don’t ask questions.”

Rook studied her face. “That isn’t a description.”

“She was dressed in black most of the time. Dark hair. I couldn’t tell you how long because she kept it pulled back.”

Rook waited.

The nurse swallowed.

“She was beautiful.”

Something about the reluctant admission caught his attention.

Not because of the word.

Because the nurse seemed almost embarrassed to say it.

Beautiful didn’t fit with the rest of the description.

Not until the nurse added, “But she looked at people like she already knew ten ways to kill them.”

Sniper glanced at Fathom. “That sounds more useful.”

The nurse didn’t smile.

“She was armed as heavily as any soldier I’ve ever seen. But quiet. Controlled. She never threatened anyone.”