Chapter 15: A Cage With a Window

Nina's POV

Calvin set the tray on my bed and began to lay out the needles.

He did it in the same order he had done it every morning for twenty-three days before the roof.

Tourniquet, alcohol pad, butterfly needle, six empty tubes.

Six tubes.

Not one.

"The General asked for a larger draw tonight," he said. "Just to stock up. You've been traveling."

*Six tubes will keep me alive for another three days. I need you strong, my love.*

"No," I said.

He smiled at the tourniquet.

"Nina."

"No. Nobody touches me unless I say so."

"I'm your husband."

"You're the man who sent me into a stairwell."

Jonas stood in the doorway behind him with his rifle strap across his chest.

He had not moved since Calvin said, perfect timing.

Calvin did not turn around.

"Pilot," he said pleasantly. "My wife is unwell. Hold her arm."

Jonas looked at me.

I looked at him.

His jaw worked once.

"No," he said.

"I'm sorry?"

"She said no."

Calvin turned his head at last.

"General Ames has authorized this."

"Then he can come and ask her."

For a second I thought Calvin would call the guards.

*If I call the guards, she'll scream, and half the barracks will hear it.*

He closed the tray with a sharp snap.

"Fine," he said. "Tomorrow, after you've slept."

"Tomorrow, you ask."

"Of course."

*I'll draw her asleep.*

He went out past Jonas without looking at him.

I sat down on the bed and found my hands were shaking now that nobody could see.

"Thank you," I said.

Jonas said, "Don't."

He closed the door from the inside.

He stood with his back to it for a long time, not coming nearer, and I did not ask him to.

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