“Miss Frampton,” he said, “I’m expecting an important package. See that it’s delivered to me immediately upon its arrival.”
The receptionist nodded and then said, “This woman is here to see you, sir.”
My gaze locked with his. This was Mr. Thurston? I’d been undercover in his factories and had never met him.
“Come in,” he said, a bit gruff. “I don’t have all day.”
My hands trembled as I walked around the desk toward Mr. Thurston’s office.
I had pictured a monster, but though he was one of the wealthiest and more powerful men in the city, he didn’t look like a monster. He wouldn’t even catch my eye if we passed on the street.
“What can I do for you, young lady?” he asked as he stood behind his desk and faced me. “This better not be about a job. I don’t do the hiring.”
He was taller than I’d imagined—but also older.
I took a deep breath, ready and willing to fight for my parents and the orphans. “I’m Grace Cooper. I’m here to ask that you rescind your offer to purchase the building my parents lease in Washington, DC.”
He stared at me for a long time, his placid composure slowly morphing into something more imposing and sinister. A corner of his lip curled up in a contemptuous smile. “So you’re the little thing that caused me so much trouble.”
I lifted my chin.
“I’ve paid thousands of dollars in fines because of you, not to mention the thousands I had to invest in my buildings to bring them up to city code.”
“I was only shedding light on—”
“You were only causing trouble to boost your own career.”
My mouth slipped open, and I frowned. “No. I care about the people you employ.”
He leaned forward, placing his hands on his desk. “I would like nothing more than to make you disappear, Miss Cooper. You’re like a pesky fly that needs to be eradicated.”
I took a step back, but I wouldn’t leave without putting up a fight.
“My parents are good people, and their orphanage has saved the lives of dozens of children in Wash—”
“I couldn’t care less. Perhaps you should have thought of them before poking about in my business.” He glared at me. “It would be too obvious if you showed up missing one day, so I will do anything in my power to hit you where it hurts the most. And perhaps you’ll think twice before sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong again. Do I make myself clear?”
He still leaned on his desk as he stared, unblinking.
My instincts wanted me to cower, but I refused. Thurston was a bully, but Daddy had told me not to give in to him—or anyone else who threatened us.
“I will not back down,” I said, my voice trembling.
“Then you will be the cause of suffering for the people you love. I will call Mr. Lorenz today and up my offer—just to spite you, Miss Cooper.”
“What do you want with an orphanage in Washington, DC?”
“Nothing. I’ll let it rot and fall to the ground—and I’ll smile, knowing it mocks you every time you see it.”
“I won’t let you get that building.”
“Try and stop me. I’ll just increase my offer.”
Anger pulsed through me as I turned on my heels and strode out of Thurston’s building.
The sunshine blinded me as I walked toward Broadway and the nearest subway station. My breath started to even out, but his words still echoed in my mind. I couldn’t let Thurston win—but that meant only one thing.
I would have to make the flight.
