Page 36 of Cross the Line
Min looked up at me. Concern in his young features. "You should go to the hospital. I'll be okay."
I hesitated. Torn between wanting to see this through and the agony radiating through my torso. "You sure?"
A small smile ghosted across his face. "Yeah. You already did the hard part."
Constable Reid approached. His expression gentle as he introduced himself to Min. "Ready to go see your mom?" He extended a palm.
The teen took it after a moment's hesitation. Before leaving, he turned back to me. "Thank you. For believing me."
I watched them walk away. Something tight and unexpected squeezed in my chest. Only when they disappeared into the patrol car did I let myself slump. Adrenaline fading. Pain rushing in to fill the void.
"You need to get that checked. Now."
I straightened. Winced. "It's just bruised ribs. Nothing they can do anyway."
"You don't know that. Could be broken. Could be internal bleeding."
"Since when are you so concerned about my well-being?" Trying for lightness. Hearing the strain in my own tone.
His features stayed impassive. But something moved through his focus. Frustration, maybe. Or something deeper I couldn't name.
"Since you became my responsibility."
"Your responsibility." I couldn't keep the bitterness out. "Right. The program. Can't have me dying under your watch. Bad for the paperwork."
I regretted the words the second they were out. Hawley's face didn't change. But something in his posture did. A slight stiffening. A drawing inward.
"That's not..." He stopped himself. His jaw worked for a moment. Then he continued, carefully neutral. "The paramedics are waiting."
Before I could respond, he turned and walked toward the ambulance. Spoke briefly to one of the EMTs, who nodded and headed in my direction. I watched his retreating back. Wondered what he'd been about to say.
The paramedic approached with a professional smile. "Let's take a look at those ribs."
I submitted to the examination. Winced as gentle fingers probed the tender area. The whole time, I kept watching Hawley. He stood a few meters away, speaking into his radio. Back to me. Shoulders rigid. I couldn't shake the memory of his expression when I'd fallen. That flash of raw concern, then nothing.
For a man who prided himself on emotional control, it had been quite a tell.
He cares.
The thought arrived plain and unwelcome. I wasn't ready for what it meant.
"Definitely bruised. Possibly cracked. We should transport you for X-rays to be sure."
I started to protest. But Hawley was suddenly beside us again, his call finished.
"He'll go." Answering for me. Challenging me to argue.
For once, I didn't have the energy for a fight. "Fine." I let the paramedics help me toward the ambulance. "But this is unnecessary."
Hawley followed. "I'll meet you at the hospital after I finish up here."
I paused. Surprised. "You don't have to do that."
"I know." A moment held longer than necessary. His eyes on mine, the alley lights painting one side of his face red, the other white. "I'll be there."
Chapter 15: Tile and Blood and Quiet
Ryan
