Page 188 of Fractured Allegiance

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The next few hours crawl.

I stand. I listen. I force myself not to move.

Around 11 PM, the penthouse is quieter. Most of the building has settled into sleep.

I hear Lydia pacing again. Restless. Then silence. Then movement near the door.

She's sitting close to it, I think.

I lean my head back against the wall.

And I whisper. Barely audible.

"I'm here."

Not sure if she can hear.

But I need to say it.

At midnight, Dom returns.

He's carrying a glass of whiskey. Offers it to me.

"It's going to be a long night. Might as well enjoy it."

I shake my head. "I'm good."

He shrugs. Takes a sip himself. "Suit yourself."

He leans against the wall beside me, studying me.

"You ever wonder what she's really thinking in there?" he asks.

"Not my job to wonder."

"Cold. I like that." He grins. "Drazen needs people who can stay detached. Some of the guys, they get soft around her. You're not like that, are you?"

"I do my job."

He watches me for another moment. Then pushes off the wall.

"Good. Keep it that way."

He walks back to the elevator.

And I'm alone again.

At 1:17 AM, Dom comes back one more time.

"You still have the key?"

I pull it from my pocket. Show him.

"Good." He doesn't take it. "Keep it. You're here all night. Might need it."

Another test.

Will I use it when he's not around?

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