"Martin… I have to." I sighed, running a hand over my face, exhaustion settling deep in my bones. "Nothing is going right for me. I thought I would leave with Chayara to keep Nita and Queen safe from the madness that surrounds me. I thought taking Chayara with me would help lessen the pain of leaving them behind."
Martin scoffed, shaking his head. "You don't have to leave either. You don't give Mrs. Numero a lot of credit. I've watched that woman fight battles for you without expecting anything in return."
"Well, she shouldn't have to fight any battles," I muttered, pushing the car door open.
Martin didn't argue. He knew me well enough to know I had already made up my mind.
The usual search was thorough, almost invasive, but I barely registered it. My mind was elsewhere. My heart was pounding in my chest, anticipation curling in my stomach like a sickness.
*****
