Chapter 99

Everyone in the waiting area groaned, scratched their heads, and exchanged exasperated glances before settling on a method for deciding who would fetch the fruits, yogurt, and protein shakes: rock, paper, scissors. The light in the hallway was harsh and flickering, bouncing off polished linoleum floors as they lined up two by two to face off in quick “shoots.” Minutes stretched on as one member after another was eliminated, each round accompanied by mock triumphs and dramatic groans. Finally, only two contenders remained: Isaac and Train.

Train leaned back against the wall, folded his arms, and regarded Isaac with cool amusement. Isaac returned the stare with a grin that bordered on impish. When Train bested him in the final throw, Isaac offered his hand in good-natured concession. Train took it and gave it a firm shake. Then he turned to Thomas, who hovered uneasily by the nurses’ station, face taut with worry.

“First things first—cash up front,” Train said, extending h