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Hayley looks toward the ambulances.

“The police⁠—”

“Vega will tell us when you're cleared to leave.”

“And Navarro?”

“Still missing.”

Fear flashes across her face.

“For Sage?”

“He isn't getting near her.”

She studies me.

Then nods.

Not because she blindly believes everything I say.

Not anymore.

But maybe because she wants to.

A paramedic touches Hayley's arm.

“I need to finish this.”

Hayley sits again.

I don't sit beside her.

I stay a few feet away.

Close enough if she needs something.

Far enough to give her room.

Her gaze drops to my hands.

Then back to my face.

“You look different.”

A laugh almost escapes me.

“So do you.”

“Older.”

“So do you, still beautiful.”

Her mouth opens.

I shake my head.

“That came out wrong.”