Page 77 of Mine To Hunt

“And somehow she was the only TA who never had to sign in at the department office.”

Maddie rolls her eyes dramatically. “And the conferences.” She adds. “Don’t forget those.”

She glances over at me. “One semester she was just another grad student.” Her eyebrows lift. “And the next she was presenting research alongside him like they were academic equals.”

I frown slightly, remembering. “People used to say she had access to his office whenever she wanted.” I shrug. “Like it was completely normal.”

“Exactly.” Al says. “And the way he looked at her during lectures?” He shakes his head. “Totally obvious. He’d literally stop mid-sentence if she walked in late.”

Al laughs softly. “The rest of the room might as well not have existed.”

Maddie lowers her voice slightly, leaning closer. “Someone in my department swore they saw them leaving campus together a bunch of times. Same car.” She says. “Same timing.”

She shrugs. “Always after evening classes.”

I shake my head. “And somehow it was still‘purely academic.’” I say dryly.

Al snorts loudly. “Purely academic, my ass.” He leans back in the seat. “The whole department knew. They just chose not to say it out loud.”

The conversation quiets for a moment before Maddie glances back at me again, her expression growing more serious.

“Ree.” She says gently. “Are you really okay?” Her fingers tighten slightly on the steering wheel. “With the stalker and everything else piling up?”

I stare out the window for a second. “The fear’s still there. Constant. But days like this help.”

Maddie nods slowly. “You know you can always come to me if things get tough.” She says quietly. “No matter what time it is.”

Al leans forward again from the back seat. “Same here.” His voice is steady. “Day or night.”

He taps the back of my seat lightly. “Call me. We’re in this together.”

Warm gratitude spreads through me. “Thanks, guys.” I say softly. “That means everything right now.”

A few minutes later the car slows and pulls into a brightly lit car park. Maddie parks and turns off the engine. I glance out the window, confused by the glowing signs and loud music drifting from the building.

“Wait.” I say slowly. “What is this place?”

Maddie’s face lights up instantly. “Oh, you’re going to love this.” She gestures toward the entrance. “It’s a real-life tactical tag arena.”

I blink. “You mean like laser tag?”

“Not just laser tag.” She corrects excitedly. “Think bigger.” She spreads her hands dramatically. “Laser guns. A full maze arena. You run around, shoot people, capture points, and actually win prizes.”

Her grin widens. “Perfect stress relief.” Then she points at me playfully. “And don’t expect mercy just because you’re my friend. I play to win.” She winks.

The excitement in her voice is contagious, but exhaustion still presses down on me.

“I don’t know, Mads.” I admit honestly. “It sounds fun. But I’m exhausted.”

I sigh. “Like… bone-deep exhausted.”

“That’s exactly why we’re doing this.” Maddie says immediately. “You’ve been holding everything in.”

She gestures toward the arena. “You need something loud, chaotic, and a little stupid.” Her smile softens. “Come on. Just for tonight.”

Al nods enthusiastically. “She’s right, Ree. Let’s dominate the arena.”

He taps the door handle. “Think of it as controlled chaos. Very therapeutic.”