Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1856

"He woke up once but slipped back out," Tarquin replied. "He's still very weak."

Soren sighed heavily.

"The poor kid. When he wakes up, ask him if he wants to follow in his father's footsteps. If he does, I'll have the Drug Enforcement Division fast-track his application and reinstate Captain Rhodes's badge number."

Soren immediately added,

"He won't have to be on the front lines. He can work a desk job at the division in Jindale City."

The Rhodes family only had one surviving heir left. Out of sheer protectiveness, Soren absolutely did not want Axel risking his life in the field.

When narcotics units went out on raids, there was an unwritten rule:

Those who were married with children took the most dangerous positions. Those married without children stayed further back. Young, single officers stayed in the safest rear positions.

Axel fell squarely into the young and single category.

Tarquin knew Soren meant well and was just trying to secure Axel a stable future.

"Alright," he agreed. "I'll ask him when he's recovered."

After chatting for another moment, they ended the call. Tarquin stubbed out his cigarette and headed upstairs.

The moment he stepped out of the elevator, he saw Blossom sobbing onto Elysia's shoulder.

Tarquin blinked in surprise and strode over. "What's going on?"

Elysia shot him a pointed look, frowning.

"Axel woke up. You should go in and check on him."

Tarquin narrowed his eyes in understanding and stepped into the hospital room.

Axel was the only one in the room now.

The two locked eyes, completely silent.

Having nearly been separated by death, they were both undoubtedly emotional, but neither was the type to show it. As a result, they both looked incredibly stoic.

Axel spoke first. "Tarquin."

Tarquin nodded. Skipping the pleasantries, he simply said, "Glad you're still breathing."

Taking a seat beside the bed, he asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Decent."

But the very next second, Axel furrowed his brow.

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