in Brooklyn. The facade was weathered, but the structure wa

or without breaking a sweat, leaving Alayna d

e brass fauce

fore spitting a short burst of rusty water d

umped back, sh

taking in the scene in a fraction of a second. The cold water had soaked thro

y back in place. He stepped closer, crowding her into the small kitchen with his broad presence. Without a word, he unbuttoned his heavy flannel sh

inst the sensitive skin of her collar

nd change into dry clothes," he said, his voice dropping to a low, gra

tering as she clutched the warm shirt tight

nd checked the rusted valve. With two precise turns, he tightened the joint and bl

weater with two glasses of water, she found

Pinned in the center was a small, faded photograph: a ten-year-old Alayna in

looking at?" s

his posture relaxing as he tur

as she looked at the photo. "Yes. Ten years old, at a summer camp

gering on the wrapper in the girl's hands. "

. I was so proud of it. But right after my mother snapped that photo, it started pouring. I walked behind

er, his dark eyes fixed on

that kindness costs nothing. I never even learned his name, but on r

uiet, profound intensity in hi

," Cruz said, his v

at him, curious.

quiet curve. "A boy who received warmth like

se that moment to le

blush rising. "I guess I forgot to eat today

rom his jacket pocket. "There's a piz

rfect," sh

indow, sharing slices off paper plates. For the first time in

letely quiet. Alayna had gone to be

out the back door into the small, fenced courtyar

ed one

s Chief of Staff an

," Cruz said, his voice clipped and precise. "Lock down the identity. Make sure my milit

The firewalls ar

oo

phone, and walked back inside,