Garrett followed me out to the hallway. “Where are you going?” he asked.
“I’m going to get some water.”
Garrett gave me an assessing look. “You’re not calling Dad, are you?”
“What the fuck? Why would I call Dad? I hate him,” I said, rounding on Garrett.
My older brother was unfazed. “You were always closest to him of everyone.”
“Because you all left me there,” I spat, the anger still as fresh and hot as it had been all those years ago.
Garrett’s gaze flicked out the window. “My sources tell me that Leif Svensson left the cult compound two days ago. It is unclear where he is headed.” When he turned his head, Garrett’s flat gray eyes bored into me. “You better tell me if he contacts you.”
12
Sadie
After Parker left, I finished off the peach-preserve-filled biscuit, wiped my hands, then picked up the papers to take to Kaitlyn. I texted Jasmine while I wandered around trying to find her office.
Sadie:I told Parker I’d like some sausage in my biscuit.
Jasmine:Sooo are you now cherry-less?
Sadie:Ha no. I broke his printer though and I think he’s going to fire me in a few days.
“There you are!” Kaitlyn said. I hurried to put away my phone.
“Where are those copies? The foundation meeting is starting soon.” She snatched the sheaf of papers from me then made a face. “This is sticky.” She lifted her hand. The pages were smudged with peach preserves.
“Woops! I shouldn’t eat on the job.” I made a face.
“You should probably not be eating, period. Whatever that was, it did not look healthy. Parker and I are all about the keto diet.”
“Sounds terrible,” I said; I enjoyed my carbs. “I’ll reprint these.”
“Bring them to the main conference room in the A Building,” Kaitlyn said, pointing out the window. “Try not to embarrass yourself. Hopefully that’s not too difficult for you. Parker is an important man. He doesn’t need you to add stress to his life.” She turned on her heel, long hair a shiny curtain behind her.
As I reprinted, I prayed to the computer gods that the files would print without issue. I thought for a split second about using Parker’s computer, but if I broke it, I would definitely be fired.
The computer gods smiled on me, and I grabbed up the papers from the printer and half jogged to the A Building. I wanted to prove that I could do it, that I could be a good assistant who shouldn’t be fired and instead might perhaps be given a bonus. Of course, I would need to find the main conference room first.
I ran around, trying to follow the confusing directions the receptionist had given me. Huffing and sweating, I finally found the conference room. I opened the glass door, trying not to gasp for breath.
One of Parker’s brothers was talking in front of a screen. Kaitlyn gave me a mean look and gestured me to bring the papers to her. Tiptoeing around the large conference table, I went to hand them to her then immediately tripped, knocked into the pitcher of water on the table, and sent it flying all over Parker.
“It was an accident!” I exclaimed from the floor. “I’m just clumsy! I trip over my own feet.”
Kaitlyn pursed her mouth.
“It wasn’t her fault,” a man said from under the table.
“What the—”
“Archer, this is why you need to sit at the table like a normal, adult man,” Mace said.
“I think better lying down, and that sofa is bad for my back. Hazel really gave me a ride last night.”
Mace clapped his hand over his brother’s mouth. I peered between the two of them.
