Damien hurried across the parking lot to the front door and came face-to-face with the same guy who had told him Harmony wasn’t there before.
“Can I help you?”the guy asked.His sweater vest was the same shade of navy blue as his mug.He wore a crisp white button-down shirt underneath it, with pressed dress pants and shiny shoes.
“I need to see Harmony.”
Sweater Vest shook his head.“Harmony?I don’t know anyone with that name.”
“Yes, you do.My name is Damien Joseph.I’m a friend of hers.I’m worried she’s in danger, and I need to see with my own eyes that she’s safe.”
The guy smiled like Damien was losing his marbles.“I’m sorry your friend is in danger, but no one named Harmony works here.”
Damien knew the guy was protecting her.He knew he was being a good person.And if the situation were any different, he would be grateful for it.
But Damien wasn’t grateful.He was fucking pissed.It was his job to keep her safe.And he was going to make sure he saw her.No matter what it took.
Damien took a step toward the guy.Sweater Vest flinched but stood his ground.“I need to see her.I was on a date with her last night.I spent the night with her.I don’t know what twisted thoughts you have about her, but I promise you, I will get past you.I will see her.I can do things your way, or I can do them my way, but I will see her.Now.”
“I wish I could help you, but?—”
“Harmony!”Damien shouted.“Harmony Gibbs!”
“Keep your voice down,” the man standing between Damien and Harmony hissed.
“Screw you.”Damien shouldered his way past the guy, sprinting down the hallway and around the corner before Sweater Vest could catch up to him.
Damien spotted a staircase and headed down, remembering Harmony mentioned working in the basement.
He shoved through the doors at the bottom of the stairs.He found himself in a long hallway that stretched out in both directions.Which way?
Damien heard footsteps on the stairs behind him and took a left.He peeked into each lab on his way, then turned a quick corner as the door behind him burst open.
He smelled something cooking in a microwave and took a chance she was getting something to eat.Damien followed the scent of food and found the only open door on the floor.
“Harmony,” he breathed when he saw her in the break room.
“Damien!What are you doing here?How did you get in here?”
“I called security,” Sweater Vest said.
“You haven’t been answering your phone,” Damien said.
“I don’t get reception down here.”
“The woman who followed you last night is dead,” Damien said.
“What?Why?How?Did you…?”
“Fuck.No.I was with you all night,” Damien said.
Sweater Vest made a noise, reminding Damien and Harmony he was still there.
“Thank you, Reed, but Damien isn’t going to hurt me.”
“Are you sure?You just asked if he killed someone.”
Damien didn’t look away from Harmony.
“I know he never would.It just sort of came out.But I’m safe with Damien,” Harmony whispered, as if she couldn’t believe the words until they were out.
