““Please continue. The creature you mentioned—the one with the wings. Was it one of the Kindred?” I nod. “He’s called Alevar. Creepy little dude. But I’m going to need a health break before I go any further.” I do need to use the facilities, but I also need a moment. The memory of being with Daryn is so real, it’s like I can still feel her head on my chest. I have to shake it off. I just need a second to lock it back down. Cordero frowns. “Health break?” I was trying to be tactful but I guess she wants details, which I can respect. “I gotta hit the head. And trust me. You don’t want to keep War away from a toilet when he needs one.” Texas and Beretta laugh right away. They know I’m messing around, but I’ve really scared the civvie. The look on Cordero’s face is priceless. “I’m just playing with you, Cordero. I drank all that water. It’s just biology. You know. Natural.” “Five-minute break.” Cordero pushes up from her desk. “You know your orders,” she says to Texas. “Make sure everyone is on alert.” “I don’t have to go that bad””
