Page 38 of Jude

Chapter 9

“That’s enough.” Judeplucked the earbud from Octavia’s ear.

Her head shot up. “What’s going on?”

“You can barely keep your eyes open. Time for you to get some sleep.”

“I don’t need it. I’m fine.” She reached for the earbud, but Jude kept it out of her grasp.

“You’re exhausted. There’s no way you’re coming out on this night mission if you’re not properly rested.”

“You’re not sleeping.” She glowered at him.

“I have a routine I keep to,” said Jude. “I’ll be going to bed soon.”

“I’ll do one more hour.”

“No more listening. What if you fall asleep and miss something important?”

“Everything is being recorded,” said Octavia. “I won’t make a mistake.”

His face softened. “I know you won’t. But I can’t have you collapsing from tiredness. Let’s find you a room. You can get some proper sleep before we head out.”

“I never sleep when I’m in a strange bed.” Octavia’s fingers slid toward the earbud.

“You’ll sleep if you’re tired enough.” Jude’s gaze ran over the enormous green T-shirt he’d given her. It swamped her tiny figure. “And I’ll see if I can find you some better clothes, as well.”

She looked down and plucked at the T-shirt. “This is fine. It’s clean. That’s all I care about.”

He stood and held his hand out to her. “Let’s go. No more stalling.”

She grumbled, ignoring his hand as she stalked to the door.

He grinned as he activated his wrist comm. “Annie, is there a free room for Octavia?”

Annie came on the comms line. “Section D has a spare room. Fourth door down on the right. I’ll get it unlocked for you.”

“Thanks.” He caught up with Octavia and led her along the corridors toward the living quarters. “Did I mention, you get your own shower?”

She slowed and glanced at him. “Are you joking?”

“I thought you might like it.”

Octavia sniffed her armpits and wrinkled her nose. “I definitely do. I also need it.”

“Each unit cuts off the hot water after three minutes. It makes sure we don’t waste any.”

“Three minutes will be a luxury.”

Jude stopped by the empty room, the green light next to it showing it was open. He waved his hand over the sensor and the door slid back. “This is yours.”

He watched as Octavia stepped inside and looked around. “This is all for me?”

“I know it’s not much.” Jude looked at the single bed covered with a gray blanket, the kitchenette, and the door leading to a compact wet room.

“Are you kidding?” She turned toward him, a smile lighting up her face. “This is like the Hilton. And I don’t have to share with anyone?”

“Not yet,” said Jude. “We are talking about maybe having to double up soon if we don’t expand fast enough.”