al-iodine and ozone and the particular metallic tang of surgical steel. She stood in the observation gallery, scrubbed and gow

reathing

fixed on the monitor showing the endoscopic view. Below, Voss was drilling th

athing at al

our first year." Harlow sipped his coffee. "Relax. It's a

ide of the sella, the optic nerves vulnerable above. She knew exactly where Voss was, exactly what

est, a tingling in her fingertips. She pressed

door. "Dr. Voss asked if you'd join for the closure.

tay here. Watch the hemostasis. Vos

theater below, gown and glove with practiced efficiency, take his place opposite Voss without a word of greeting. Th

arned each other's rhythms, each other's instincts. She'd thrown it away for Ethan, for the promise of som

llowing Harlow to take over the closure, and Annika saw something she hadn't expected-Harlow's hands were different now. More co

er hip. She ignored it. Then

ree texts from Ethan, sent in rapid succession, the times

e is empty.

the Peninsula. This is ridiculous,

or lunch. Be there at noon

e still thought he could summon her. That a reservation at a three-s

e ready at any time you designate. Please refer

ing the final nasal packing, Voss dictating the operative note. She should feel something-regret, envy, the bitter taste of paths not taken. Instead, t

ing out of scrubs. He tossed her a bottle

en minutes," he said. "During

hab

enough that she could see the fatigue in his eyes, the slight tremor in his hands from caff

en't d

gentle. "You decided the second you walked in

moment. When she emerged, Harlow was watching her with an expre

undation house on Saturday,"

" Harlow's jaw ti

the others. She

ty. She's still a Clark.

d it. "But I owe her the courtesy of a goo

f keys, and pressed them into her hand. "My car. The Subaru. It's parked on Dean Street.

ound the metal, warm from

white coat flapping behind him. "Don't hold