Chapter 306

At 3 a.m., Stella Johnson was dozing off at the data station. Charles Hart moved quietly, gently draping a blanket over her. But then, out of nowhere, he clutched his chest and doubled over in a violent cough. That sharp, metallic taste rose in his throat as his face went pale. He spun away just in time, coughing up a mouthful of blood into his hand. “Charles?” Stella jolted awake, her eyes landing on the blood between his fingers. Her heart dropped. “What’s going on?!” Charles wiped his mouth quickly, forcing a calm tone. “It’s nothing. Just didn’t sleep well lately.” He reached for the small bottle of pills he always carried, but his fingers were shaking so badly from the pain that he dropped it. The bottle hit the floor, scattering pills everywhere. Stella instantly grabbed his swaying body, her hands meeting skin that was burning hot. “You’ve got a fever! And the blood…” She helped him sit down, fumbled for the thermometer—39.5°C. Her face drained of color. “What else are you hidin