Luis walked into Harmony PD's back office. "You wanted to see me, Sam?"
"Not me." Sam nodded at the man standing across from him.
The man turned around.
Luis's heart stopped.
Agent Freeman?
Was it possible that he had news about Sheridan?
That everything that had happened in Bermuda had been nothing but a horrendous mistake?
"Luis." Hal stuck out his hand. "I heard about what happened—I'm so sorry for your loss."
Luis grabbed hold of the chair in front of him.
Of course Agent Freeman wasn't here with news about Sheridan.
Sheridan was dead. She was never coming back.
He had to stop believing that somehow—some way—a miracle was going to happen.
He had to stop doing this to himself.
"Luis." Sam cleared his throat. "Agent Freeman wanted to talk to you about a special assignment."
"What?" Luis's eyes snapped to Sam's. "Sorry—I was in another world for a second there."
Sam frowned, his eyes filling with empathy. "That's totally understandable."
"Thanks." Loosening his grip on the chair, Luis turned to Hal. "Listen—I appreciate that you thought of me, but I just don't think I'm up for anything like this right now."
"That's what I said," Sam concurred. "I don't know that now is the right time for Luis to be taking on any special assignments."
Hal looked at Sam. "I understand your concern." Adjusting his stance, Hal turned his attention back to Luis. "And I know this is a horrendous time for you. But please trust me when I say that—when I received the call I did—I immediately knew you are the only person on the planet I could trust to handle this."
"I'm sorry." Luis rubbed the back of his neck. "I just can't focus on anything like this right now."
Hal clasped his hands in front of himself. "Please, just humor me."
Luis's hand dropped to his side. "Isn't there anyone else who can help you with this?"
"With this particular mission?" Hal said. "I don't think that would be wise."
Luis studied Hal. "There's got to be someone else."
"I wouldn't be asking you if it wasn't of the utmost importance." Hal folded his arms in front of his chest. "I know I must not be making much sense right now, but please trust me, Luis—you're the one I need on this."
- If Luis just can't bring himself to take on anything else right now, go to Chapter 2.
- If Luis decides to give Hal's mission a chance, go to Chapter 16.
