“Andrew Knight.”
Maybe I’ve worked with him in the past, but it’snot a name I recognize. Never mind. “Interesting, thank you.”
“I don’t think it came from him, though,” Lucy continues, “because I called him back and told him you’d left, and I couldn’t find you.” She smiles apologetically, as though my lack of advertising was her fault. “It was almost two weeks before he let me know he’d ‘fixed it.’” She nods past me. “Then Carol reached out.”
“Uh-huh.” My heart begins to beat faster. “Did this Mr. Knight say anything else?”
“No…” Lucy pulls at her sleeve. “Um… now that I think of it, he did ask me not to mention his name. So… sorry? I forgot.”
“Don’t worry about it.” I give her a smile and open the door. “Good luck, Lucy.”
“Thank you again.”
“You’re welcome.”
I close the door behind her and lean against the wall. Then I turn and face Carol, who’s staring at me, her face pale.
“But… I got that file by accident.”
“Howby accident?”
“Franklin emailed it to me, thinking it was a different one. It had a different name and everything. He told me to ignore it, saying it was an admin cockup and it was dead.”
And of course, Carol brought it straight to me.
I’ve been played, and I don’t know by who or why.
“A coincidence?” Carol asks, voice filled with worry.
“Sure.” I give her a reassuring smile.
But I don’t believe in coincidences.
My judgment, my instincts, my case—all of it. Used.
Is nothing mine anymore? I feel dirty.
Someone’s pushed me toward Van Wyk, and I can’t help but think that someone is the Company. This isn’t about helping Lucy, it’s about keeping me close. Knowing exactly how much I know, and when I know it. Controlling me.
And through me, Alex.
Alex tries to get me to go back home that evening, but I’m too freaked out.
I know I won’t be able to hold myself together when he does… whatever he wants to do. He won’t take no for an answer—obviously—and I don’t have the emotional strength to resist him.
Luckily, it’s late when he texts.
Sorry, I’m still not feeling well. Feeling worse, if anything. Aches and pains all over.
Half true, save that my period would’ve been due two weeks ago, but I run packs together. Because screw that shit.
His reply comes in.You’re still at Carol’s?
I suppose that’s a reasonable question given my habit of holidaying in Miami. Still, the lack of trust hurts.
Do you want a picture of her living room?
Of course not. It’s enough to know where you are.
