Page 121 of Override

A tactical mistake.

Eventually Matt sighs. "You gonna tell me why you drove across Chicago at eight o'clock at night?"

"No."

Matt nods. "Good talk."

I keep pacing. Three steps. Turn. Three steps. Turn.

"I have a problem."

"Clearly."

I point at him. "Not helping."

"Try explaining the problem."

I stop pacing. Then immediately start again. Because standing still somehow feels impossible.

"It's Gallagher."

Matt's expression changes immediately. Professional. Focused. The team leader.

"What about Gallagher?"

I drag both hands through my hair. Then immediately regret it. "Not Gallagher….His wife."

The silence afterward feels loud.

Matt leans back slightly. "Okay."

I point at him. Again. "Don't say it."

His eyebrow lifts. "I haven't said anything."

"You're thinking it."

Matt's gaze flickers to Rachel and back again. The traitor. "Keaton."

"No." I resume pacing. Three steps. Turn. Three steps. Turn. "I can't like her."

The words finally leave. The room goes silent. Rachel pauses halfway through pouring coffee. Matt just watches me. “That doesn't appear to be a decision you still get to make.”

I gesture wildly. "She's married." Still nothing.

"Married." I emphasize the word. Strongly. Because apparently nobody else appreciates the significance.

Matt folds his arms. "Okay."

I stare at him. "That's your response?"

"What would you like my response to be?"

I open my mouth. Then close it. Because honestly I don't know.

"I'll take over the Gallagher case."

The words hit me like a punch. I stop pacing. "What?"