Chapter Text
The air was fresh and clear, carrying soft notes of pine, cedar, and resin. OA closed the trunk and picked up his bags. Above them, the sky stretched out in a bright blue, the sun shining warmly. It hadn’t reached its peak yet, making the temperature still pleasant.
The plan was simple—get away for a while. Away from work, criminals, and killers. Away from the last two cases.
Especially the last one, which had been deeply personal and traumatic for him. He needed time to recover.
He followed Maggie along the narrow sandy path from the parking area to the cabin by the lake. How exactly this trip had come about wasn’t entirely clear. But they both needed a few days off, and so the rather spontaneous idea of escaping into nature had taken shape. It was definitely easier to rest and heal out here than in New York.
He was still dealing with the aftermath. OA tired quickly and had spent the first few days sleeping a lot—though not very restfully. The doctor had warned him that the hypoxia would leave him feeling off for a while.
The sharp cry of a hawk cut through the air as it glided above the treetops. OA tilted his head up, watching the bird for a moment before hurrying to catch up with his partner. He had been genuinely surprised—and relieved—that Maggie had agreed to his spur-of-the-moment idea. He had almost taken it back the second he said it. But to his surprise, she had agreed immediately.
And just like that, the week-long trip had been planned.
Maggie climbed the small steps to the porch and set down her bag to enter the code into the lockbox. The rustic cabin belonged to a private owner, and since both of them could do without crowds right now, the listing had come at the perfect time.
The porch offered a beautiful view of the lake, which lay just steps away. A small dock extended into the water, with a canoe tied to it.
She unlocked the door and stepped inside.
The air smelled faintly of wood and fireplace. The small but well-equipped kitchen sat right beside the entrance and also overlooked the lake.
Further in was a slightly winding but cozy living room, complete with a couch, a TV, and a fireplace for colder nights. Near the windows stood a small dining table.
The bathroom was surprisingly spacious, featuring a shower and a small whirlpool tub.
And there were two bedrooms.
Maggie hesitated for a brief moment before heading toward the smaller one, placing her bag on the single bed. There was really no reason for them to share a room. They were no longer undercover, and otherwise it would be difficult to explain. Besides, she didn’t want to give OA the smaller room—he’d probably fall out of bed given his height. One wrong turn in his sleep, and he’d end up on the floor.
“You don’t have to—” he started, not wanting her to give up comfort because of him.
“I know,” she cut in gently, a small smile forming before a teasing look flickered in her eyes. “You should feel lucky getting the bigger bedroom. Next time, I won’t let you have it.”
Next time.
Had she really just said that?
Then again—why shouldn’t they take another trip together? There was nothing wrong with that.
She pushed the thought aside. Right now, they were here so OA could recover—so the dark circles under his eyes would fade. Even though Maggie couldn’t forget that there had been something he wanted to tell her while he was still in the coffin. So far, the topic hadn’t come up again, and she wasn’t sure if she should bring it up.
For a brief second, OA felt something like disappointment when Maggie claimed the other room. But it made sense. There was no reason for them to share a bed.
Except for the small detail that he might actually sleep better.
He didn’t say anything, though. Instead, he brushed it off and placed his bag in the bedroom.
The cabin had a faint hunting-lodge vibe. Photographs of nature and wildlife from Adirondack Park decorated the walls. A stuffed squirrel hung in the upper corner of the living room, and a deer pelt—or something similar—was draped over the back of an armchair.
They both took some time to settle in before bringing in the groceries they had picked up on the way. After a small meal, they went out to explore the area around the cabin.
The cabin stood right at the edge of the forest, with dense woods stretching out behind it. Before following the trail deeper into the trees, they walked along the lake instead.
The water lay calm and smooth, reflecting the sunlight in shimmering patterns that occasionally caught the eye. Dragonflies and other insects hovered above the tall reeds along the shore.
OA stopped for a moment, gazing out over the lake, surrounded by forest. Gentle hills and mountains rose in the distance.
Pressing his arm against his injured ribs, he took a deep breath.
Sometimes, he had to remind himself that he was no longer lying in that cramped, suffocating coffin.
Maggie had stopped as well. But instead of looking at the lake, her gaze rested on him.
Half a smile, half concern.
He was strong—barely letting anything show on the outside. But the traces were there. Especially in quiet moments like this.
After almost losing him, she appreciated moments like these even more.