This time, we’re all paying close attention.

"The second man to enter the room aimed at me. The other followed suit. Even with all the terror I was feeling, I remember thinking: why me? I’ve never had enemies."

"What happened next?"

"I didn’t even have time to blink. Moses stepped in front of me just as they fired. That’s why the bullets hit him square in the chest, but me, only in the leg. After that, I remember the sound of sirens or an alarm—I can’t say for sure. I fainted shortly after."

"Yes, you hit your head. That’s what led to your coma."

"I know. Dr. Athanasios already explained everything to me." She looks exhausted.

"That’s enough, Brooklyn," I interject, but this time definitively. "You only woke up a week ago. This has been too much for one day." I turn to Zeus. "She needs to be examined and then rest. The statement is done."

He stands up. "Yes, I think that’s enough for today. Athanasios is right."

The detective and lawyer leave, and I watch as her brother-in-law says goodbye.

"Are you feeling okay?" Zeus asks.

"Fine. Just exhausted."

He gives me a quick look, as if still seeking an explanation for why I stayed in the room, but Brooklyn ends the conversation.

"Thank you for staying too, Zeus. Kiss Madison and my babies for me."

He leaves, and now it’s just the two of us.

"Lie down. I’m going to examine you."

"I don’t feel physically unwell. Just tired."

"Quiet, Brooklyn. I regret agreeing to this deposition. You’re practically running on empty."

She obeys, and as I press the button to call the team, her eyes close.

I think she’s already asleep, but suddenly, she grabs my hand.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For staying. You were my source of courage today."

Seconds later, she falls asleep.

Athanasios

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Two Weeks Later

"The physical therapistsaid he’s never seen a patient recover so quickly," she says as soon as I enter the room.

Now, when I visit, Brooklyn starts conversations, asking me questions about her recovery, but I suspect she just wants to keep me around longer.

I’m no fool. I know the difference between the way a woman looks at me when she sees me as a doctor versus when she sees me as a man.

"Your recovery has been above average. You’ve surprised me," I say, watching her blush.