Page 215 of His Reckoning

“That’s exactly what I’m worried about.”

I pull out my phone. “I’ll text you the place, the date, and the time.”

Melissa nods. “You’d better not be showing up with some bullshit flowers from the hospital gift shop and an expectation for her to do all of the apologizing.”

“I’m offended you think so little of me.”

“I know you,” she says.

That’s fair. I’ve done nothing in my life to make her think I have a single romantic bone in my body.

I tuck my phone back into my pocket. “Thank you.”

She shrugs one shoulder. “Don’t thank me yet.” She pauses. “And, Sawyer?”

“Yeah?”

Her expression softens just a fraction. “She is still crazy in love with you.”

Melissa doesn’t wait for a response. She turns and starts walking back toward the main hallway, already done with the conversation.

I stand there for a second longer before I turn and head for the exit.

Because there’s one more thing I need to do.

And that part is going to require every advantage I have.

* * *

The call takes twenty-three minutes. Eight of those are spent getting transferred between people who apparently thinknois a useful answer.

It’s not.

By the time I get the right person on the line, I’m back in my car, parked in a loading zone I’m definitely not allowed to use.

“I understand your concern,” I say, voice level. “But I’m not asking for a marketing opinion.”

“With respect, sir, we can’t just reverse a withdrawal without the author’s approval.”

I stare straight ahead through the windshield at traffic, cabs, and a cyclist weaving between lanes like he has a death wish.

“That’s unfortunate.”

Then the cautious voice comes back. “She was very clear.”

“I’m sure she was.”

I loosen my tie slightly because this is the point where power helps.

And for once, I don’t mind using it.

“I’m prepared to fund the initial print run myself.”

The woman on the other end clears her throat. “That’s … generous.”

“It’s practical.”

I glance at the passenger seat, where Kayla’s book sits face down beside my phone.