“Hey.” He was discharged from the hospital only this morning. He’s still moving stiffly from the bandages, and his eyes seem unfocused sometimes from the pain medication.

“Hey.” She remembers the way he cupped her face last night, at the end of everything. The memory is very vivid, and she thinks it’s maybe made them a little awkward around each other. It’s strange to be awkward around Bell, and she tries to push the feeling aside.

“You okay?”

“Yeah. I just…” She stuffs her scarf in her pocket. “I’m not great with crowds.”

“There’s a lot of people in there, for sure.” He glances back at the church, his hair blowing off his forehead. “It was a nice service.”

Emma doesn’t know what to say to that. She’s been to too many funerals, and every one of them reminds her that death is empty and final, and that churches and memorials and gravestones are for the living.

“I’m driving back to Apple Creek,” she blurts. “I mean, I’m leaving right after the service. I handed in my ID before I left Quantico.”

“Emma, it’s all right.” Bell smiles softly. “I kind of figured you might do that.”

“Oh. Okay. I didn’t mean to, um…”

“You didn’t. I’m not offended. I’m glad I get to say goodbye before you take off.”

There’s the Bell she knows. It makes her feel comfortable enough to step closer.

“Have you, uh…” She has trouble getting it out, because she’s not sure she wants to know. “Have you heard any more news?”

“Raymond’s not here, so I’m guessing he’s dealing with the Office of Professional Responsibility investigation. Kristin is still in the hospital. They tell me she’s gonna be okay. And Simon Gutmunsson… I don’t know. I guess they’re still arguing over what to do with him.” Bell lifts his chin so the sun falls on his face, his eyelids shuttering. “I find I’m not much worried about any of that stuff right now.”

“You must be looking forward to going home.”

“It’ll be good to see my sisters.” He opens his eyes. “I’m not sure how I’m going to tell my mom I got a bullet hole in my dad’s suit.”

He grins, but it’s thin, and he looks off down the street. For a moment, Emma wonders what would happen if she touched his face now, the same way he touched hers. The idea beckons, the moment stretches, and she steps in a little more.

“Will you be all right?”

He looks back, blinks at her. “I’ll… I’ll get better. What about you?”

Emma opens her mouth and nothing comes out for a full five seconds. Then a man walks over to them, and whatever Emma was going to do or say is swallowed up.

“Excuse me. Are you Mr. Bell and Miss Lewis?”

“We are,” Bell says.

Emma just nods.

The man smiles with closed lips, but it’s a reserved smile rather than a courtesy smile, and his eyes are kind. “I’m Special Agent Howard Carter. Ed Cooper was my friend and my colleague. Before he passed, he said I should try to get in touch with you. It’s nice to finally meet you.”