Page 116 of No Mistake

“He says, quote, you might want to check out this address. 5170 East Garner Boulevard, East LA. Might find something you’re missing.”

“Perez?” Ryan looked between them.

“Tracer must have gone back for him when he got away.”

“I can’t reply. It’s blocked. The man doesn’t want to be found.” After a brief pause, he added, “What do you want to do? I can gather the team.”

“Why don’t you and I go?”

Dex grinned. “You want to get back in the action, huh?”

“Well, clearly your boy here can’t go.” Sam folded his arms, eyebrows raised. “Unless you'd rather wait for your team?”

Dex was still grinning. “Let’s do it, boss.”

“Don’t have too much fun,” Ryan groused, watching them leave, pissed as hell he couldn’t go with them.

As much as he didn’t want babysitting, the room was awfully quiet once they left. His mind automatically went back to Sophie. What if she meant what she said about not being able to handle his job? Fuck, he knew not everyone could, but he’d never thought Sophie would react that way. He thought she understood and accepted what his job entailed. But damn, he really loved her. Yes, it was quick, but when you know, you know. He’d never felt this way about anyone before, and the thought of losing her before they even really got started was killing him. But where did that leave them? Was it really his job or her? He didn’t want to give up either, but maybe he might have to.

Ryan reached for his phone, sending a text.

Hey honey. I’m hopefully getting discharged tomorrow. Can we talk? I don’t like how we left things. I miss you. R xx

They had to talk. It had been a hell of a week, and Sophie had been through a lot. Perhaps Dex was right. Having these couple of days apart might be a good thing. A chance to calm down and get some rest. She might change her mind. And if she didn’t, then he had one hell of a decision to make.

“CLAIRE WILL BE HERE shortly.” Sophie handed her sister a cup of coffee. They’d been back three days, Chloe recovering in Sophie’s home. Chloe’s shoulder was healing well, and now it was time to work on the mental wounds. She’d spoken to her attending at Kings Medical and he told her to take as much time as she needed. Her residency would be there for her when she was ready to return.

“Sounds good.” Chloe smiled, taking the coffee. “I’m looking forward to meeting her. I feel like I know her already.”

Sophie had referred Kelly to therapy with Claire. Sophie had met Claire when she joined the hospital as the resident therapist. She trusted the psychologist completely. Instinct told her, Claire was the right person to help her sister work through what had happened and move past it. They had become good friends over the years.

“You’ll like her, and even though we’re friends, you don’t need to worry about her sharing anything with me. We keep our professional lives and our friendship separate. I just know she’s the best.”

“I have no doubt, if she comes with your recommendation. It makes me feel better that you know her so well. What about you? Are you going to talk to someone?”

“I will. I wasn’t alone like you were. I had Ryan with me. It’s different. But I will talk to someone, I promise.” She turned away, not wanting to think about Ryan. “I'm going to head into work for a bit, catch up on some paperwork before I'm back on shift properly tomorrow. Will you be OK?” She was reluctant to leave but it was time to show her face at the hospital, plus, Chloe and Claire would need privacy.

“I’ll be fine. Really. Stop worrying.”

“Can't help it, it’s a big sister thing.” Sophie smiled. Her phone buzzed. Ryan. Again.

Honey, please talk to me. All I want to do is talk. I’m home now. Call me or stop by. Any time.

Her smile faded.

“Sophie. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She picked up her purse, getting ready to leave.

“Have you spoken to him?”

“Who?”

Chloe sighed. “Who do you think? Ryan.”

“No.”

“Has he been discharged?”

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