The hospital room was unusually quiet after Investigator Cross left.
The thick folder remained on the bedside table, untouched.
It didn't look particularly intimidating. Just a stack of papers held together by a black binder clip with a red label reading CLASSIFIED.
Yet everyone in the room found themselves looking at it.
Matthew was the first to break the silence.
"I don't think you should read it today."
Noah remained leaning against the raised hospital bed, his eyes fixed on the folder.
"Eventually, I have to."
"Eventually," Matthew agreed. "Not while you're recovering from emergency surgery."
Noah looked at him.
"I'm recovering."
"You've been awake for less than four hours."
Vinny nodded enthusiastically.
"The boss is right."
"You literally almost died yesterday."
Aiden folded his arms.
"And your pain medication hasn't even worn off."
Noah looked from one person to another before quietly asking, "Did everyone plan this?"
"Yes," Lily answered with a smile.
