Regret Came Too Late

Grace spun around and rushed back inside.

To her surprise, Ed was still standing right where she'd left him in the entryway, unmoving and perfectly still. It seemed he had no idea people had just died right outside.

She took a deep breath, then gently cupped his face in her hands, speaking softly, "Something happened outside. For now, don't go out. Your doctor friend-is he with The Obsidian?"

Ed's lashes fluttered, and he instinctively nuzzled against her palm, his voice low and slightly clingy. "Yup."

"Good. Call him. I need his help with something."

If he were from The Obsidian, he would know how to handle dead bodies. No doubt.

Ed immediately made the call without asking questions. After a moment, he asked, "Grace, why does it smell like blood?"

Grace pulled him toward the couch in the darkened living room. "I got a small cut on my arm. It's nothing serious."

Ed didn't push. He just sat there, silently stroking her fingertips, lost in thought.

About 20 minutes later, Grace heard someone outside.

Ed's shoulder and said, "You sit down. Stay

He nodded obediently.

gave him a

was anything but pleased. Getting called out this late to fly

sharply and adjusted the glasses on the bridge

Lambert. What do you need?" he

isn't your first time handling a cleanup like this. Also, don't say a word to him. In his mind, I'm still someone

of the night, his

an eyebrow, slightly

his glasses again, clearly struggling to keep a straight face. "I'm fine. I'm just a little... surprised. But don't worry, I'll take care of the bodies.

it

and within ten minutes, a crew arrived and cleaned up everything with surgical precision. By the time they were done,

glanced back at Grace. "All done.

some kind of amusing drama unfold.

it.

She returned inside.