Chapter 40: Checkmate

As the late evening sky deepened to a dark blue, speckled with the first stars of the night, Paige stood at the curb, watching Kayden's cab disappear into the distance. She turned and walked back to Clinton's house, where the soft glow of indoor lighting spilled out onto the porch.

Clinton was still asleep on the couch, oblivious to the world around him. The beer cans scattered on the table were a silent testament to his attempt at solace. Paige quietly collected them, her movements gentle in the hushed atmosphere of the house.

She then took her place in front of Clinton, her gaze lingering on his peaceful expression. It was a side of him she rarely saw—untroubled and at ease. Lost in her thoughts, Paige didn't notice her eyelids growing heavy until sleep overtook her, her head coming to rest near Clinton's on the couch.