#Chapter 23: Contemplation

Lauren's POV The hospital lights buzzed faintly overhead, their sterile glow reflecting off the glossy tiles and making the air feel colder than it was. My skin prickled as I stood near the window, the distant sounds of muffled voices and rolling gurneys filling the silence. “You’re distracted,” Liam’s voice broke through my thoughts. He leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest, studying me like he was waiting for me to break. “Relax. It worked. He took the bait.” “I know,” I replied, my voice a touch too sharp. “I wasn thinking about my patients.” “Sure you are.” He stepped inside, closing the door behind him with a quiet click, leaving us close. “But I know that look.” I hesitated, setting the clipboard on my wooden desk next to me with a soft tap. “He’s got the scarf,” I admitted finally, my voice barely above a whisper. “And I think he… backed off. At least for now. But it still feels…” “Wrong?” Liam offered with a shrug. “Yeah,” I forced a laug