She beams. “Dad says I analyze well under pressure. When I grow up, I’m going to be a Supreme Court judge, except I want to do science stuff too. Is there a job that does both?”
“You could be a forensic scientist. Or maybe a biomedical patent judge. Or you could make up a new job entirely. That’s allowed.”
She considers this with a serious, almost frightening degree of intent. “I’m going to invent a new job then. I’ll be famous for it.”
The inner office door opens. David emerges first, looking slightly less tense than when he went in. Behind him is Principal Harrison—Nora, according to the nameplate I clocked on the way in. She’s removed her blazer at some point, and there’s a coffee stain on the sleeve of her blouse that she keeps trying to cover with her hand.
The small imperfection makes her seem more human. More... approachable.
Michaela leans in conspiratorially. “You know, if things don’t work out with your lady friend, my principal is single. She’s pretty and smart too.”
I glance up in time to see Principal Harrison resting one hand lightly on David’s arm. She’s younger than I expected. Late thirties, maybe, with auburn hair pulled back in a loose twist and green eyes that gaze up at David with an expression that’s trying very hard to be professional concern, but is landing somewhere closer tosomething else entirely.
“Oh, scratch that,” Michaela stage-whispers. “I think she’s in love with my dad.”
I choke on nothing. “What?”
“Principal Harrison,” Michaela says, in the same tone you’d use if explaining basic multiplication to someone with a low IQ. “She’s got stars in her eyes for my dad. So you can’t date her. Sorry to get your hopes up.”
“What? I?—”
“Michaela.” Principal Harrison’s voice is gentle as they approach. “How are you feeling?”
“Better now that Dad’s here.” Michaela slides off her chair. “Can I go back to class? I have a spelling test and I’m going to dominate.”
Principal Harrison’s mouth quirks. “I have no doubt. But let’s give you a few more minutes, OK? Just to make sure you’re settled.”
“I’m settled. I’m extremely settled.” Michaela turns to David. “Tell her I’m settled.”
“She’s settled,” David confirms, but there’s a warmth in his voice that suggests he’s grateful for the principal’s caution.
“Five more minutes,” Principal Harrison says. “Then Margaret will walk you back. Deal?”
Michaela sighs dramatically, but nods. “Deal.”
The principal turns to David. “Mr. Kingsley, if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We take situations like this very seriously, and I want to assure you that Michaela’s safety is our top priority.”
“I appreciate that.” David extends his hand. “Thank you for handling this so well.”
She takes his hand, and I watch something flicker between them—a moment that extends well beyond a professional handshake. Her cheeks flush. His grip lingers.
Michaela catches my eye and blinks rapidly, mimicking starry eyes.
“See?” she whispers. “Stars.”
CHAPTER 11
Audrey
Logan is late.
I check my phone for the fourth time in ten minutes, then immediately hate myself for caring. We agreed he’d take the last overnight shift and come in after lunch. That was the plan.
But it’s almost two, and he’s still not here.
In the eleven months we worked together before Sweden, Logan was never late. Not once. If anything, he was compulsively early—already deep in code whenever I walked in, barely looking up to acknowledge my existence. It used to annoy me, the way he seemed to live in whatever lab he was assigned to, like he didn’t have anywhere else to be.
Now his absence feels conspicuous.
