Anna had just stepped out of the police station when she halted mid-stride, sensing someone approaching with urgency. The sound of hurried footsteps reached her ears, and before she could turn fully, Henry appeared in front of her, slightly out of breath.
"He needs you," Henry said without preamble.
Anna closed her eyes briefly and drew in a steady breath, grounding herself. "We have things to talk about," she replied, her tone sharp with warning.
Henry pressed his lips together, then nodded slowly. He did not argue. He simply watched as Anna walked past him and got into the car. The vehicle pulled away moments later, disappearing down the road.
Henry exhaled deeply, running a hand through his hair before turning back toward the police station. Duty pulled him forward, even when the weight of everything threatened to crush him.
***
