Page 89 of Push My Buttons
Maya huffs, crossing her arms but falling silent.
Dr. Reynolds approaches my bed, checking the monitors before turning his attention to me. "How are you feeling this morning? Any nausea? Dizziness? Visual disturbances?"
I shake my head carefully, mindful of the pain."Just a headache,"I sign, with Maya translating.
"That's to be expected," he says, making notes in my chart. "Your CT scan from last night looks good. If you continueto remain stable, we should be able to discharge you this afternoon."
Relief washes through me."Today?"I sign, hardly daring to believe it.
"Yes, but with strict instructions for home care," Dr. Reynolds cautions. "You'll need to rest, avoid screens and reading for a few days, and try to get as much sleep as you can. Concussions are serious business."
I nod, already mentally preparing for the argument about who will be staying with me.
Dr. Reynolds turns to the others. "I suggest you all go home, get some proper rest and showers. By the time you return, Miss Maddox should be ready for discharge."
Maya opens her mouth to protest, but Dr. Reynolds holds up a hand. "That wasn't a suggestion. You won't help her by collapsing from exhaustion yourselves."
Theo looks like he might argue, but Jace places a hand on his arm, stopping him. "You're right, doctor. We could use a few hours to regroup."
They gather their things reluctantly, Maya still glaring daggers at Jace and Theo. The guys approach my bed before leaving, their movements hesitant, as if unsure of their welcome.
"We'll be back in a few hours," Jace promises, his eyes searching mine. "To take you home."
"We'll bring fresh clothes," Theo adds, his hand hovering over mine before gently squeezing my fingers.
"Thank you,"I sign, offering them a small smile. Despite everything, the sight of them preparing to leave creates a hollow feeling in my chest."I'll be here."
Maya is the last to leave, her expression still troubled. "Call me if you need anything," she insists. "Anything at all."
Once they're gone, the silence in the room feels oppressive. Dr. Reynolds completes his examination and leaves me withinstructions to rest. But rest is impossible. My mind races with everything that's happened—the memories that have returned, the revelations about Levi, the look on Jace’s and Theo's faces.
The hours drag by in a blur of nurses checking vitals, more tests, and the relentless ticking of the wall clock. I drift in and out of sleep, never fully resting. Every time I close my eyes, I see Levi's face, feel his hands around my throat.
A knock on the door startles me from a light doze. I expect another nurse or doctor, maybe even Jace and Theo returning early. Instead, a young woman in a fitted black suit enters. Her long dark hair is pulled back in a severe ponytail that falls past her shoulders, and though she's attractive in a cool, polished way, there's something about her that immediately sets me on edge. Law enforcement, definitely.
"Lilliana Cain?" she asks, her voice professional but with a subtle warmth. "I'm Agent Juliette Voss from the FBI."
I nod, gesturing for her to come in.
She moves with practiced grace, settling into the chair Jace had occupied earlier. "I understand you're feeling better today," she says, studying me with intelligent eyes. "I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me."
I hesitate when I start to sign, not sure if she will understand but when she doesn’t interupt I have to assume she does,"It’s Wren Maddox. That’s my legal name now, I don’t go by Lilliana Cain anymore. The police told you what I remembered?"
"Yes," she confirms, her hands remaining still in her lap. "They passed along your statement and the evidence your partners provided. But I wanted to speak with you personally about Lucien."
My brother's name on her lips sends a chill through me.
"I've met Lucien," she continues, her gaze never leaving mine. "I was part of the team that captured him."
"Then you know he's dangerous,"I sign.
Something flickers across her face—an emotion I can't quite identify. "I know exactly what he is, Miss Cain," she says, her voice taking on a strange intensity. My jaw tightens at her deliberate use of my old name. "No matter what Levi may have told you, Lucien is a cold-hearted killer. A true sociopath."
The hairs on the back of my neck rise. There's something odd about her approach, something in the way she speaks about my brother that feels... different.
"You mentioned Lucien wasn't responsible for the women?" she asks, leaning forward slightly. "That Lucien was framed for those particular murders?"
I nod cautiously.
