River froze before thinking quickly, knowing that despite him being calmed for the moment, he was still not himself. She could not let anyone meet him in his condition.
“Heiko, no. Don’t. Just listen to me. Go—go to the washroom. Freshen up. Regain control. Let me handle this. I will get rid of whoever is behind that door.”
He looked at her with wild, confused eyes, the fog of the aftermath still clinging to him.
“Please,” she repeated, gently but firmly pushing him toward the washroom. “Trust me.”
Somewhere deep inside, something clicked. He gave a hesitant nod and let her guide him. The moment the door shut behind him, River inhaled sharply, turned—and approached the main door.
Her hands trembled on the handle, but her expression was composed when she pulled it open.
What she saw m
