“Sloane and I…. We’ll work it out. Just give us a chance.” Dex held his father’s gaze. “Please, this one time. I’m asking you, not as an agent, but as your son.”
Tony rubbed his hands over his face before giving him a nod. “Okay. This one time.” He turned his gaze to Sloane. “You gave me your word, Sloane. I expect you to keep it.”
Dex had no idea what his dad was referring to, but he wasn’t about to ask. He’d asked enough of the man for one day. Inside their truck, everyone was quiet. Their sarge had explained the incident would be kept quiet this time. He’d handle Taylor, which didn’t bode well for Taylor. Since Calvin was administering PSTC to Hobbs, Tony drove the truck, letting Dex know he’d be dropping him off at the hospital. Dex wasn’t about to argue. Despite his injured arm, he helped Sloane behind the privacy screen. Sloane wouldn’t look him in the eye, and Dex could see the guilt eating away at him. They’d have time to discuss it later.
Their sarge stopped for a drive-through, picking up Therian-sized meals for their teammates and one for Dex, because he was starving. Everyone else got regular Human sized.
“Jesus, Dex. You polished off that whole fucking burger?” Ash shook his head in disbelief.
“Guess I was hungry,” Dex replied through a mouthful of fries.
Cael stared at him. “You’ve always eaten a lot, but you never finished a whole Therian-sized burger before. Usually you leave the second half for later.”
Dex shrugged. “Must have worked up an appetite.”
He was damned hungry, and he was only now starting to feel kind of full. As soon as they’d eaten, Tony dropped Dex and Sloane off at the hospital. Sloane was too quiet for Dex’s liking. He followed Dex inside, around the lobby, and back out.
“What are you doing?” Sloane asked, looking confused.
“I’m going to see a doctor.” Dex pulled his smartphone out and tapped the screen until a gruff voice answered.
“Dex, you okay?”
“Yeah, listen. I need a favor. I need you to pick me and Sloane up at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Main entrance.”
“You heading back to HQ?”
“No. I need you to drop us off somewhere.”
There was a pause before Seb let out a sigh. “Why do I get the feeling you’re up to something?”
“I really need you to do this for me, buddy.”
“What about Taylor?”
“Sarge is going to take care of it. I’ll explain later.”
“Shit. Okay. I’m on my way.”
“Thanks. I owe you.”
“Don’t I know it. I have a list.”
Dex chuckled, thanked him, and hung up. He turned to Sloane with a smile. “Hey, handsome.”
Sloane frowned. “Dex, what’s going on? Why aren’t you going to see a doctor here? And who was that you just asked to pick us up?”
“It was Seb. I am going to see a doctor, I promise. How are you holding up?” Dex walked to the marble bench farthest from the entrance, and when he sat, Sloane took a seat beside him, his expression somber as he stared at the ground. He sat with his hands shoved in his pockets. They got a few curious glances from people walking in and out of the hospital, but the presence of THIRDS agents around the building was hardly uncommon, so thankfully they didn’t draw too much attention, especially since Dex’s arm was bandaged up, giving the impression he’d just come from being tended to. It was likely most of the attention he was getting was due to the fact he looked like shit. His tac pant leg was shredded, his sleeve blood soaked and ripped. He was covered in dirt, scrapes, and his hair probably looked like something a bird would make its nest out of.
After what seemed like forever, Sloane finally answered. “I could have killed you. How do you think I’m holding up?”
Dex turned to face Sloane and cupped the back of his neck, his thumb stroking Sloane’s skin. “Hey, look at me.”
Sloane swallowed hard and closed his eyes.
“Sloane. Look at me.”
After letting out a steady breath, Sloane turned, his amber eyes filled with heartache. Hadn’t Sloane carried enough guilt with him throughout his life? Dex wasn’t going to be the source of any more pain for his partner. Not if he could help it.