Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Up All Night

*Claire*

What am I doing? I keep thinking this as I get dressed, sign my hospital discharge papers, and walk by the side of Nathaniel Ballard down the halls of the hospital. The throbbing in my head subsided a little but thinking about why I agreed made the headache threaten to return.

Instead of focusing on why I agreed to have Nathaniel stay up with me, I think about my partner, Wates. He was in recovery now and he was already conscious and talking. This, to me, is a good sign.

I lead the way through the hospital halls down until I see Beth and a few of the other officers, including the Chief, standing outside. There is a line. They spot me walking toward them and smile.

I dare not meet Beth’s eyes. My conversation with Beth from earlier this day is still rattling around my head. Everything she said about catching feels for Nathaniel is ridiculous, right? We are co-workers and are getting along for the first time. Nothing else.