“Why do they need to know?” Falcon asked.
“Shut up!” Artemis demanded.
“Make me. You're an archer aren't ya? Use your skill to make me be quiet.”
“Look Falcon! My friends are dying! I don't have time for games! Tell me where Cheshire is or so help me I will tear you apart!”
Adam took hold of Artemis' shoulders, ushering her out the door.
“We'll be back,” he explained. In the meantime, give Willow the location.”
Closing the door, Adam sat her in a chair.
“I'll be right be,” he whispered.
He went down a hall, leaving Artemis alone. She was shaking and lost. She wanted to hug someone. She wanted to get away from it all. But she had to think positively. Like Becca. She'd do this for you. She's saved you countless times. Adam came back, pressing a cup of cold water into her hands. He kneeled down in front of her while Artemis took a big drink. She put the cup on the table beside her, looking down at Adam. His mask had been removed and he was looking at her with tender eyes. She looked down and then closed her eyes. A second later, she had flung herself into his arms.
“Artemis..”
Adam wrapped his arms around her and she cried into his chest.
“Becca and the others are sick! Becca's dying! Cheshire is the only one with a cure and I can't find her! Falcon is giving me orders, Talon is giving me weird looks, and I hate it all! I'm lost! What do I do? What do I do?”
Artemis fisted his shirt in her hands and cried some more, Adam rubbing her back. They stayed like that for a few minutes before Artemis pulled away. She wiped away her tears.
“I'm sorry. That was silly of me.”
“Nothing silly of being afraid Artemis. You're tired, probably hungry, and ready to give up. We have beds here and food. Plenty of everything. Stay for the night and head out in the morning.”
“Okay. Sorry I threw myself at you.”
“You can throw yourself at me anytime.”
Artemis gave a little laugh.
“I bet you say that to all the girls.”
Adam shook his head.
“I've never told anyone that,” he whispered.
Artemis looked him in the eyes. They were still as green as ever but the humor was gone. An intimacy had replaced it and Artemis felt her mouth grow dry. Adam looked away from her eyes, standing. He helped her up and stuffed his hands in his pockets.
“We should get you to bed.”
He didn't touch her as he grabbed Willow and led them to a suite of rooms for the night. He instructed them on how the schedule was and to feel free to call if they needed anything. He walked away without a single word and all Artemis could think was What just happened?