At one-thirty, Dunn stood at the school gate, watching as Aurora got into a car. As the vehicle pulled away, he mentally marked the need to plan their next meeting ahead of time.
The opportunities to see her might be limited, but that didnât mean he couldnât create them.
After all, Aurora was the one person who could make him feel genuinely at ease, even amidst the pressures of his life.
Ryland poured hand sanitizer onto the bathroom floor.
When Joelle entered the bathroom, she slipped, landing hard on the cold floor. Meanwhile, Ryland was watching TV as if he hadnât noticed a thing. The TV only aired a handful of channels, mostly international news.
Joelle hobbled out. âWas that on purpose?â
Ryland didnât even flinch, his tone flat. âWhat are you talking about?â
Joelle sucked in a frustrated breath, deciding it wasnât worth arguing. Without another word, she limped out to find a nurse to clean and bandage her scraped knee.
When she returned, the scene at the ward door stopped her in her tracks. Adrian stood firmly, blocking the way, as a group of embassy officials and police officers tried to force their way in.
âMr. Miller, Ryland, as Wadeâs only surviving son, has a duty to cooperate with our investigation. This isnât just about himâit concerns national security.â Adrian didnât budge. âHeâs already cooperated. When you questioned him last time, he told you he didnât know anything.â
Joelle stepped forward, her cold, sharp gaze locking onto Hooper. âDo you seriously believe an eighteen-year-old has the ability to threaten this countryâs security?â
Hooper, his patience already worn thin, let his hand hover near the gun at his hip. His tone was clipped and cold. âIt doesnât matter what I believe. If he doesnât give us what we need, none of you are leaving here.â
Adrian moved slightly, positioning himself between Joelle and Hooper. âItâs impressive how tough you guys are when it comes to bullying a kid and a woman. Yet when itâs about the terrorists, youâre all useless. Or are you admitting that without Ryland, youâre completely powerless?â
Hooperâs fingers tightened on the handle of his gun. âMr. Miller, I suggest you think carefully before overstepping your bounds.â
âCut the theatrics. Just say what you want Ryland to do.â
Hooperâs shrewd eyes flicked between Adrian and Joelle, his expression cold and calculating, the hidden cunning now fully on display. âWe need Ryland to lead us up the mountain and identify the terroristsâ hideout.â
Joelle stepped forward, her expression blazing with defiance. âYou want to use Ryland as bait? Over my dead body!â
âWe will ensure his safety!â
âDo you even believe the lies youâre spouting? Those people are terrorists! Ryland is still recovering from his injuries. I will never agree to that!â
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