MY NEXT STOP TOOK ME to Sutton’s work, where I was already vaguely familiar with the hallways and the layout. When I walked into the main lobby, the nurse from the other day recognized me immediately and rolled her eyes as I approached.

“You know she’s not here. I told you that earlier.”

“I know. Where’s your HR office? Can you tell them I need to speak with them? Urgently.”

She made a sound of disapproval before picking up the phone and saying things I couldn’t hear from behind the glass that separated us. “Fourth floor, make a right. They’re expecting you.”

When I exited the elevator this time, I was greeted by a man in a suit. “Mr. Martin,” he said before extending his hand for me to shake. “Come with me.”

I followed him into a room, down a long hallway, and into a private office, where he closed the door behind us.

“How can I help you?”

“I’m here on behalf of Sutton. She doesn’t know I’m here,” I clarified before I continued, “I know that her dating me has brought some challenges into the workplace.”

He scoffed. “To say the least, Mr. Martin.”

“That’s not her fault. And I know for a fact that you have protocols in place to deal with things like this,” I said, and he interrupted me.

“We do, but they’re temporary. They aren’t meant to last long-term. We have no idea how her dating you will affect this hospital on a day-to-day basis, but if the past couple of days are any indication, then we’re not equipped.”

“Monetarily?” I asked, knowing that they had room in the budget for unplanned events, but most likely not to handle something like this for months on end.

“Yes,” he said before grimacing.

“And that’s why I’m here. I’ll cover the costs for extra security as long as you feel it’s necessary. I want Sutton to be safe at work. As well as all of your employees. Will that be a problem?”

“I don’t foresee it being one, but I need to run it by my superiors.”

“Do that and get back to me by the end of the day.” I pulled out a business card and handed it to him. “And one more thing. You can’t punish Sutton for what’s happening. This does not affect her work, her workload, or any of her training. Are we clear? No more forced days off.”

“I understand. The extra security will help,” he said before adding, “I’ll be in touch.”

I felt like I could finally breathe.

Hopefully, Sutton would feel the same when she found out about what I’d done and not be upset with me for doing it.

EPILOGUE

SUTTON

SIX MONTHS LATER

If I hadn’t seen Joseph leave my apartment building in his car that afternoon, I would have sworn he rode off on a white horse, cape flying, sword raised.