Neville''s gaze was deep and steady. "Marvin''s been worried sick about you," he said. “He couldn''t stop talking about itst night, kept saying he wished he could be here."


    He set his ss down on the bedside table. "I happened to be on vacation, no pressing work, so I told him I''d look after you for a while."


    Ste''s throat felt much better after a few sips of water. She spoke softly, her voice still a little hoarse. "Mr. Connolly, thank you. And... thank you forst night, too."


    Neville waved her off, unconcerned. "You''ve thanked me enough already. I lost count of how many times you said itst night."


    Ste hesitated, frowning faintly. "Sorry-my head was spinning yesterday. I can''t remember much of it clearly."


    Neville met her eyes, his tone gentle but firm. "Star, you don''t have to be so tough all the time. Marvin and I-we''re both more than willing to help you. And you don''t need to worry about owing us any favors. We''re not strangers, you know."


    He held her gaze, his eyes so dark and fathomless they seemed to draw a person in, as if they could see straight through to the soul.


    Ste''s breath caught unexpectedly. She looked away, unable to stand the intensity of his stare.


    Just then, the door to the hospital room opened.


    "Mr. Connolly, I brought you some breakfast-"


    Abby stopped short when she saw Ste already sitting up, awake. Her face lit up with relief and delight.


    "Star, you''re awake!" she eximed, hurrying to the bedside. She reached out and checked Ste''s forehead, then finally let out a relieved sigh. "Thank goodness. We caught it in time."


    She handed over a bag with breakfast for Ste as well.


    The three of them sat together and finished breakfast. Afterwards, Ste managed


    to convince Neville to head back and get some rest.


    Once he''d left, Ste turned to Abby. "Any updates about Antoney?"


    "Everything''s going ording to n. We should have results by the day after tomorrow at thetest." Abby paused, then looked at her. "By the way... Have you heard anything from Foreman Richards?"


    Ste shook her head. "No. Haynes isn''t like Jasper-he can''t keep anything to himself. Maybe he hasn''t said anything about it at all."


    Abby lowered her voice. "Should I ask Foreman to look into it for us?"


    Ste thought for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, please."


    "Alright, I''ll see what I can find out."


    Antoney''s recent trouble, and the close call Abby had yesterday, made the timing feel like more than a coincidence. Ste couldn''t help but suspect something was off. Even if it meant owing someone a favor, she knew she had to get to the bottom of it.


    She dialed Foreman''s number directly. The phone rang twice before he picked up.


    "Star," Foreman''s voice was as warm and calm as ever. "Calling me something


    up?"


    Ste quickly exined what had happened. "I need your help. Can you find out if Haynes was behind this, and if he''s nning anything else?"


    "Of course," Foreman agreed without hesitation. "As soon as I hear anything, I''ll let you know."


    Ste felt genuinely touched. "Thank you, Foreman."


    His voice was gentle, reassuring. "No need for thanks between us."


    She knew Foreman was sharp-he''d never be reckless enough to just@all Haynes and ask outright. He''d need to wait for the right opportunity, something that wouldn''t arouse suspicion.


    To her surprise, Foreman called back the very next afternoon.


    "Star, are you free tonight?"


    Ste''s heart skipped-he must have found out something. "Yes, I''m free."


    Foreman chuckled softly. "Let''s meet at our usual spot.”