474 Preparing For Home

(Jayden)

The clock on my desk blinks 12:47 AM, but the late hour doesn't register anymore.

I've spent the last few hours in calls and emails, trying to coordinate everything: the will readings, the services, the logistics of leaving Nexus Global in capable hands while I head back to the States.

I hit call on Viktor's number, knowing he'll be awake. He always seems awake. I wonder if he's actually human sometimes.

"Jayden," Viktor answers on the second ring, his voice sharp and alert. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong," I say quickly. "I need to talk to you about Nexus. I'm flying back to the States soon, and I need someone I can trust to hold things down while I'm gone."

There's a brief pause, then a low chuckle. "You're not serious."

"Dead serious."

"Jayden," Viktor says evenly, "I don't run billion-dollar companies. I handle security, strategy, and occasionally beating people to a pulp if they get too close."

"You also know Nexus Global inside out," I counter. "You've been in the trenches with Gus and with me. You know how this place operates, and you know the stakes better than anyone. Hell, I'd never have done it if it wasn't for your guidance." "That doesn't mean I can run it."

"It means you can keep the damn thing from falling apart for a couple of weeks," I snap, frustration creeping into my voice. "Just manage it while I'm gone. Make sure nothing critical slips through the cracks."

His voice is back to being my employee and not my friend. "If they are your instructions, I will follow them."

"I wouldn't ask if I didn't know you could handle it."

There's silence on the other end for a moment, then Viktor says, "I'll pick you up at 7am, so you should sleep."

"Yeah, I'm beat. Night Viktor." I disconnect the call and head for the shower.

***

number. It rings longer than usual

must be 2am

leave. The bodies are released, and the will readings are the

flying

I've asked Viktor to hold things together here while I'm

"Smart choice," she says.

but you know Viktor, he

skill I wish I had

ask. I can tell by her voice that

elevated. They

fine," she says quickly. "It was precautionary. They didn't find anything serious, but they're monitoring

"You should've called me."

you now," she says, her tone defensive. "But Lisa came and

to tell me. You know that,

you second-guessing every

clench involuntarily. "But I have

intake of breath

I'm doing everything I can to keep this baby safe. You know that. You being involved in every second just adds pressure

easy being so far away. Of course

enough," she replies, her tone still cool. "In the meantime, I'm

were,” I counter, pinching the bridge

want to fight

I want

everything is okay."

quieter now. "Really. If anything major happens you'll

stop breathing

the

"But it

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