Page 40 of Girl Between
“Dinner, dancing … what would you call it?”
“Well, considering it ended in a graveyard, I might call it a cautionary tale.”
George laughed. “Shepard neglected to say how funny you are.”
Dana’s chest tightened at the mention of Jake. She liked the way George kept things light. It was the opposite of the usual tension between her and Jake. But the moment he was brought up, the easiness Dana felt with George vanished.
She hated the betrayal that nagged at her each time she enjoyed George’s company. Why did it have to be one or the other? Easy or hard? George or Jake?
Maybe I’m meant to be alone.
Dana wished she could ignore her subconscious, but it wasn’t wrong.
Alone had been the route that served her best for most of her life. Given her track record, changing it now seemed like a risk not worth taking.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t more help with your crime scene,” she said, hoping to avoid the topic of dates altogether.
“You were more help than you realize,” George replied.
It was Dana’s turn to raise her eyebrows. “Really? I debunked the authenticity of your mask. I don’t see what else I have to offer.”
“True, but I have a feeling you knew that before you ever laid a finger on that mask.”
Dana didn’t deny it, so George continued.
“My team is good, but your instincts are better.”
“Your flattery is unnecessary,” she replied.
“Maybe, but give yourself credit where credit is due. Shepard was right about you. You’re the real deal, and I’d be lucky to have someone with your expertise assist on this case.”
“I’m not sure I’m ready to make that commitment,” she answered.
“I can respect that,” George said.
“If the coroner needs help identifying the transnasal craniotomy, I can be of assistance,” Dana offered. “But beyond that …” she trailed off.
“Understood,” George replied. “I think I’m ready to sign off asdetective for the evening. Let’s dwell on happier things while we can, like the fact that the fais do-do is reconvening later this week, and Cadie is insisting on your attendance.”
“Can I think about it?” Dana asked.
George stood. “Sure. But don’t think too hard.” He reached for her hand and placed a kiss on the back of it. “Goodnight, Dr. Gray.”
37
He hesitatesas he always does, his eyes darting around the ward, judging the dim lighting and the crude instruments laid out on the table.
Even here, where I make the rules, he wears his pedigree like a badge. I hate that about him. But perhaps it comes with the role. Playing God has a lasting effect on a man.
I can see the conflict in his eyes, the moral dilemma weighing heavily on his conscience. But I have no time for his doubts. Time is of the essence, and we have a mission to complete.
I watch as he finally steels himself, his hands trembling slightly as he begins to prepare for the procedure. The air is thick with tension, the silence only broken by the faint hum of the generator powering our limited equipment. I can feel the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders, but I refuse to let it break me. This is the path I have chosen, and I will see it through to the end.
As he works, I keep a watchful eye, ensuring that every step is precise and that no resources are wasted. The stakes are higher than ever, and failure is not an option. Her life depends on our success, and I will not let her down. She’s here at no fault of her own.
It was my fault.
Again, guilt tries to creep in, but I know how to quash it.
