Unbearable Distance

~DONOVAN~

"I need you to handle something."

The words come out sharper than planned as I watch Valerie across the hallway. Her eyes, those warm brown eyes that usually sparkle with life..look dull, the skin around them slightly puffy.

Has she been crying? Because of what I said?

A flash of guilt twists in my chest before I stamp it down. This is better for both of us.

"Couldn't one of the other ma