My watch buzzed again. We were already running out of time. Just tell me what to do.

Quanta’s gaze darted and for a split-second, I saw what she saw: The two of us skidding toward a door marked Waldman. She let out a heavy breath. There’s a way.

How?

That’s… Her eyes unfocused and her finger fluttered like she was paging through time.

Looking for a window.

I hardly cared at this point. We need to get you to med—

Medical! Quanta jolted. Take me there. Darren won’t fight it when I already look like death.

Are you sure…?

Now or we lose our chance. She staggered, faking this time, but I couldn’t help reacting like it was real—maybe because her state made it so much easier for her to play the role.

I did what I’d wanted all along, scooping her into my arms. “I’m taking her to medical,” I projected my voice for Darren. My watch buzzed yet again, but as long I held Quanta, I had the perfect excuse not to check the message. We give this one last try. Then all our energy needs to be focused on escape.

Fine. Quanta relaxed into me and her eyelids fluttered.

I hoisted her closer, trying to support her weight in the most comfortable way I could. You’re not actually letting me take you to medical, are you?

Nope. She gripped the lapel of my lab coat, holding tight as I hustled us down the hall. We can get to the lab. You just have to punch a guy in the face.

Is that all? In spite of everything, I fought not to smile. This was absolutely ridiculous. All of it, from start to finish.

That was how my life would as I stayed at Quanta’s side.

I wasn’t sure what role I’d play there, but I knew there was no place I’d rather be.

We hit the bank of lifts and I shifted her weight to press my palm to the scanner. No tricks needed. It slid open and I hit the pink button. No alarms, either.

Quanta leaned against me, still rough around the edges, but her eyes burned bright with determination. Follow my directions. This’ll be a close one.

I’m ready. I settled her in my arms, ready to sprint or dodge. Whatever she needed.

The doors opened and we stepped onto the med floor. A few members of the medical staff turned to gape.

Left. Quanta’s mental voice didn’t hesitate.

I took off down the white corridor.

Act like you’re heading for the treatment suite up ahead. She closed her eyes, letting me handle the present while she shifted her attention the options developing ahead of us.

And then?

Book it past. Then punch the guy and take the private lift. We can make it. Certainty rang in her voice.