Page 104 of Shadow Break

“Hang on,” Sol said. “You’ve got nothing to apologize for. Aaron was clear that there was a danger in coming to your rescue and we chose to do it anyway. There’s no blame to go around. It is what it is. You just focus on your work.”

“He’s right,” Jemi said. “It was our choice. And now we’ll be praying that you find the answer to this problem.”

“Let us know if there’s anything we can do to help,” Peter said.

Aaron’s phone rang and he moved to the corner of the room to answer it.

Sydney went back to her computer. “I just have to find a way to stop the body from attacking itself. How hard can that be?”

Aaron came up beside her. “I know you’re busy, but I’ve got Knightly on the phone. He needs a statement.”

“Now?”

Aaron looked at the floor. “They need it in case … ”

“In case I die.”

“Yeah. They can do it over the phone if you can step away from your work for a minute.” He handed her the phone.

She put it to her ear. “Hi. It’s Sydney here.”

“Sydney, I’m Special Agent in Charge Victor Knightly.”

“You need a statement?”

“I’m sorry to take up your time. I know you’ve got more important things on your mind, but I need a few questions answered. Dr. Pallon has been very cooperative, so this shouldn’t take long.”

* * *

Aaron sat aside from the group and pressed his fingers into his eyes. While they were in transit to the lab, he’d gotten another text from his mom asking him to come visit. He had a great excuse for ignoring it now, but he was already struggling to avoid the growing urge to make things right with his dad. He knew it was time, but he didn’t know if he had the courage to face the only man he’d ever truly been afraid of. Afraid that he’d never measure up.

Sydney appeared beside him. “Your boss wants to speak to you.”

He took the phone. “Sir?”

“You’re getting quite a reputation, you know.”

“For what?”

“Making big waves. David taking on Goliath and bringing him down.”

Aaron frowned. “I can’t take the credit for this one. Lewis did his part, and Sydney played a role. I was more of a sidekick. And not a very good one.”

“Yeah, well, you know I’m not a religious man, but I’ll be praying that Sydney gets the cure. I’d like to keep you on my team for a while.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll do my best to not die.”

Aaron hung up the phone and leaned back, resting his head on the wall.

Chapter23

Peter joinedAaron on the floor. “How’re you feeling?”

“Fine.”

“Yeah?”

“I’m not going to lie. I don’t want to die.”

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