Page 52 of King's Reckoning
Rowan felt that truth settle into her bones, the simple strength of loyalty, of bonds forged through shared purpose and genuine commitment.
"Movement in the corridor," Barbara warned. Through the observation window, Rowan saw Devils members engaging with a group of professional-looking men and women—corporateattorneys presenting legal documents while security personnel tried to push past.
"Now or never," King said. He moved to check on Reed, making sure the younger man was comfortable despite his obvious desire to help. "Barbara, stay with Reed. Monitor the authentication process. Rowan and I will handle the distribution from the communications center."
"I should be there," Reed argued, frustration evident in his voice. "Should be watching your backs."
"You already did that," Rowan said softly. She stepped close, letting her hand cup his face. "Took bullets meant for me. Let me return the favor by finishing this while you recover."
Before he could argue further, she leaned down and kissed him—gentle yet firm, communicating everything they hadn't had time to say. When they broke apart, his eyes were dark with emotion.
"Come back to me," he said quietly, the simple request carrying the weight of promise.
"Count on it," Rowan replied, allowing herself a genuine smile. "We have too much to figure out. Too much future waiting."
"Nothing to figure out." Reed's hand caught hers, squeezing firmly. "I know exactly what I want. Have since that night at the safe house. Maybe even since that first day in the garage."
The voices in the corridor grew more insistent, cutting off Rowan's response. But her heart felt lighter as she prepared for what came next.Whatever happened, they'd finally acknowledged what had been building between them for weeks.
And Reed had made it clear he wanted more than just professional partnership or physical connection.
"Time to move," King said, already helping Barbara secure the authentication equipment. "Cole's people will keep Blackwood's team occupied. Rowan and I will head for the communications center."
They slipped out through a service corridor, using the hospital's staff passages to avoid the main areas where Blackwood's legal team was attempting to serve injunctions. Rowan stayed close to her father as they made their way through quiet hallways, using Elena's detailed knowledge of the facility's layout.
"Your mother would be proud," King said quietly as they paused to check their route. "Not just of how you've handled the technical aspects, but of how you've led. How you've brought people together."
"Learned from the best," Rowan replied. "Both of you. Mom showed me how to think strategically, how to see patterns others missed. And you..." She met his eyes. "You showed me what real leadership looks like. How to earn loyalty through integrity rather than force."
Voices echoed down the corridor—Blackwood's team expanding their search, moving through the hospital with determined efficiency.
"They're searching the entire building," Cole warned through their communication channel. "Legal teams on each floor, security personnel checking all exits."
"And Abby's with them," King added grimly. "Directing their efforts."
"Abby," Rowan said with quiet anger. "I should have realized she was feeding them information from the beginning."
"Focus on the mission," King reminded her gently. "We can deal with betrayals later."
They reached the administrative level, moving carefully through quiet offices. Most of the hospital's regular staff had been temporarily relocated, giving them access to the secure communications center without civilian complications.
"Thirty seconds to complete authentication," Barbara reported through their earpiece. "Rowan needs to initiate distribution as soon as the verification chain is complete."
"Almost there," Rowan replied. She and King rounded the final corner to find the communications center just ahead—and Blackwood standing outside with Abby at his side, both engaged in intense conversation with what appeared to be their legal team.
"—need to stop that distribution at all costs," Blackwood was saying. "If these records reach the judicial reviewcommittee—"
He stopped abruptly, spotting them. His expression shifted from surprise to calculated politeness.
"Ms. Matthews," he said smoothly. "I was hoping we might have a chance to discuss matters before you take any...irreversible actions."
"I think we're well past discussion," Rowan replied, maintaining her composure despite the confrontation. She kept moving forward, King at her side presenting a united front.
"You don't understand what's at stake," Abby interjected. "The economic impact of these records becoming public. Thousands of jobs, billions in development—"
"I understand perfectly," Rowan cut her off. "You're protecting corporate interests that have profited from stolen land for generations. From injustice that was carefully buried."
"It's not that simple," Blackwood insisted. "These records, even if legitimate, represent a complex historical context that requires careful interpretation—"
