Page 248 of Silent Target

Her hand rests over my heart.

She stayed.

I don’t move.

I’ve spent years waking at the slightest sound, reaching for a weapon before my eyes open.

This morning, I listen to Evie breathe.

The difference terrifies me.

It also feels like peace.

A knock sounds.

“Caleb?” Rook.

Evie stirs.

“What time is it?”

“Early.”

“That is not a time.”

“Six.”

She groans and presses her face into my chest.

I smile.

The knock comes again.

“Five minutes,” I call.

Rook answers through the door. “You have two.”

Evie lifts her head. “He knows.”

“He knows we’re in here.”

“No.” Her eyes narrow. “He knows.”

“Probably.”

She covers her face.

I pull her hand away.

“No regrets.”

Her expression softens.

“None.”

We dress carefully and return to the operations room.

Rook stands beside Mac.