An Embarrassment

The first rays of dawn cut through the morning mist like golden knives. Saturday had arrived, but Eric Maddox was already behind the wheel of his Vireon EchoBlade, the blue paint catching the early light like scattered diamonds.

His hair was still damp from the hotel shower. The hot water had felt good against his skin, washing away the sweat and evidence of the night before.

Elira had wanted him to stay. She had even made breakfast and everything—scrambled eggs with that fancy cheese she liked, and coffee. But he'd kissed her forehead, promised to call later, and walked out before the guilt could settle in his chest.

The drive from Cromley City to Ravensmead took forty minutes. Forty minutes of empty roads and radio static and the steady hum of the EchoBlade's engine. Forty minutes to think about what he was going to say to Alina.