How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elodie raised an eyebrow. "They don't know I'm unwell, or about the surgery. This

is an important assignment—I can't just turn it down."

Of course, she'd cooperate if it ever came to that.

Esmeralda knew Elodie's problem was simply that she took on too much

responsibility.

After helping Elodie settle in, Esmeralda finally noticed a man's jacket draped over her bed.

Fleming had tossed it to her earlier.

On their way here, the sun had been relentless. Fleming had handed her his jacket so she could shield herself from the heat.

Remembering this, Esmeralda said quickly, "I'll go return his jacket. You should get some rest."

Elodie didn't answer, but Esmeralda was already halfway out the door.

Watching Esmeralda's retreating figure, Elodie could see the hope radiating from her. Esmeralda had admired Fleming since they were young-her feelings had always burned bright and steady.

The men's quarters weren't far.

sense of delight. Fleming giving her his jacket

guys had been assigned two

their door, she overheard

usually so brisk and distant, sounded patient for once. "Don't worry. We got here safely. The place isn't so

I bet

turning his phone so she

piped up with a teasing grin. "What's

laughed, completely unbothered. "I'm only worried about my brother

man. Having a sweet sister like that—makes life

him a look. "Knock

hesitated in the hallway, not sure whether to go in or

her as oddly suggestive-and besides,

video-calling Lucy so naturally, checking in like it was second nature. She'd never had anything

those years he was overseas, they'd only spoken on the phone once in a while. Most of the time,

kept chatting, "So, who else went

Adrian glanced at

and

"No one

bunch-you them all.

her lips