Page 60 of Falcon’s Forever

“What about Zip?” I ask.

“He’s coordinating the perimeter,” Knox answers.

“Rook or Ice?” I suggest.

“They’re sleeping before Church prep,” he tells me.

I stare at him. “You worked through the entire club before you came to me.”

“Pretty much.” Knox hands me the authorisation. “The pharmacy opens at nine. It’s twenty minutes there and back, and the compound is still on elevated alert.”

“I know,” I reply, taking the paper.

“Take backup,” Knox orders.

"Was going to." His suspicion irritates me enough that I say so. He looks unconvinced and suggests Hustler, since Harrier's doing inventory, and I take it, because it's a sound call and I'm out of reasons to be annoyed about it.

Church runs short, nobody's got new movement to report, which should be good news and isn't, because the longer somebody watches without acting, the more I wonder what they're waiting for. Before Church breaks, I tell Vulture about the prescription pickup.

His eyes narrow. “Why are you going?”

“It’s a controlled medication, and Knox needs to stay with Rachel,” I explain.

“Check in when you’re halfway there,” Vulture orders.

“I will,” I promise, and this time, I mean it.

Hustler is waiting beside the truck when Church finishes. He looks at the keys in my hand.

“You’re driving?” he asks.

“Yes,” I reply.

“Why?” Hustler demands.

“Because I like being alive,” I tell him.

“So do I,” he points out.

“Then get in,” I order.

At the pharmacy, the pharmacist asks too many questions until I show her the authorization. Then she apologizes three times because only half of Rachel’s prescription is available at that branch.

I call Knox from the parking lot.

“Fuck,” he says when I explain. “They only have half?”

“The southwest location has the rest,” I tell him. “It’s fifteen minutes from here.”

“Rachel needs the full course today,” Knox says.

He falls silent for a moment, mentally checking the route.

“That takes you toward the east corridor,” he warns.

“I know,” I reply.

“Don’t go alone,” Knox orders.