The ER nurse saw us and harrumphed. “You guys again. This week is complete now that I’ve seen you guys—or handiwork from you guys.”
Jordan and Zellman started laughing, but I caught the dark cloud on her face. She wasn’t amused. When the doctor came in to examine me, she booted them all out. Cross didn’t move from his seat.
“Gotta go,” she told him.
He locked eyes with her. His jaw firmed. “I’m not going.”
She looked at me.
“He’s family,” I said.
She turned back to him.
He smiled.
“He’s your brother?” she asked, but she knew us. She knew the truth.
“He’ll look away if I tell him to.”
She sighed and went out the door. The doctor didn’t blink an eye at Cross’ presence. He did all the usual exams, checking out my cuts and the bruises already starting to form. He pressed a hand over
