Callen's car screeched to a stop by the front steps as Vera guided Yu outside. The late-morning sun felt too bright against the heaviness in the air. Callen was already out of the car, holding the passenger door open, his earlier reluctance replaced by brisk determination.
"Easy now."
He said, voice tight but steady as Vera helped Yu into the front seat. Yu's fingers clutched the seat belt as if it were a lifeline.
Vera slipped into the back seat just as Callen slammed the door shut and jogged around to the driver's side. The engine rumbled to life, and without another word he pulled out of the driveway at a sharp turn of the wheel.
The tension was thick enough to feel in the air vents. Yu stared straight ahead, knuckles white, trying not to cry too hard again.
Every few seconds his lips moved soundlessly—whispering Cain's name like a prayer.
Callen kept glancing sideways at him between stoplights. His voice was low, almost gruff, but carried an edge of protectiveness.
