Page 100 of Override

A smile softens across my face.

Me:

Dad used to play it when I was little. Whenever we'd go for drives. He always said it sounded like freedom.

For a long moment...

Nothing.

No typing bubble.

No response.

Just silence.

Then—

Taibhse:

I like your dad.

I smile.

Me:

You've never met him.

Taibhse:

Didn't say I had.

Another pause.

Taibhse:

Still think I'd like him.

Chapter 20

Keaton (Skee)

The Gallagher feeds have been closed for three hours.

Three hours. Not that I'm counting. The fact that I know the exact amount of time probably means I should be concerned.

I glance toward the laptop sitting on the coffee table.

Then immediately look away.

No. Absolutely not.

The last thing I need is another lecture from Rachel about boundaries. Or another look from Callum. Or another conversation with myself about how watching Maeve Gallagher through security cameras is not normal behavior.

The problem is that every time I close the laptop, my brain starts creating scenarios.

What if Ronan came home early? What if she had another bad day? What if—I exhale sharply. This is exactly why people call me obsessive. Because once something gets into my head, it stays there.

Like a song you can't stop hearing. Or a code problem you can't stop solving. Or a redhead who keeps showing up in your thoughts at three in the morning.