Angus could use a big old dose of painkiller. “I’m fine. Bullet just went right on through.” What were the correct words of sympathy for somebody whose girlfriend had turned out to be a psychotic killer who had just been using him? “Nari was really brave and put Opal down, if I remember right.”

Zhang shuffled his feet. “I was wrong about you, and I apologize.”

“You were wrong about Nari,” Angus countered evenly. “She’s the one deserving of an apology. For a lot of things.”

Zhang sighed and looked down. “I know. You’re right.” He breathed in and then met Angus’s gaze. “I don’t know who will be made administrator, but I’d like to reinstate your team, if you’d like to remain employed and working together.”

Hope filled Angus, along with the persistent pain in his arm. “With full pay for the time we’ve been off?”

“Yes. Of course.” Zhang touched the bandage on his head and then put his shoulders back, looking more in control than he had when he’d walked inside. “Please take a couple of days, talk to the team, and then let me know. Good job today.” He turned on a polished loafer and exited the room.

Angus sat back. If Nari didn’t show up soon, he was going looking for her. Where the hell was she?

* * *

Nari hugged her mom as she rested on the bed, ordering the doctors around. “Let them do their jobs,” Nari whispered.

Her dad, his blond hair wavy, sat next to her, patting her hand. “Let her boss everybody. It makes her happy.”

Nari chuckled. “That was so brave, the way you jumped in front of the Taser, Mom.”

Her mom grinned. “It was the only way your crazy plan of Angus strangling you was going to work.” She coughed and then laughed. “I was terrified, but I acted well. When Angus threw his arm, I acted like he’d hit me.”

Nari sighed. “He didn’t connect?”

“Of course not. I can fake a hit.” She pushed Nari in the arm. “The nurse just told us that he was out of surgery. You should go reassure that boy that he didn’t hurt you. Well, maybe play it a little soft so he stays mellow, but you know what I mean.” She leaned toward her husband. “Nari used the L word. The real L word.”

“Wait a minute. I haven’t met this guy yet,” her dad protested, his blue eyes gleaming.

Nari sighed. “I’ll be back.” She hugged her dad and exited the room, almost running into Quan. “Hi.”

“Hi,” he said, leading her around the corner. “I want a moment to speak with you before I go home. I’m sorry for, well, everything.” He awkwardly patted her shoulder.

Her eyebrows rose. “All right.”

He stepped back. “I’m not a demonstrative man and I don’t know how to be parental.”