I flashed my attention to the last place I’d seen Olivia, but she was gone. “No. They don’t seem to get along.”
“Hm.”
What did that mean?
Hugh seemed to consider a thought before continuing. “I’m curious, Gale. If you barely know Ozrik, and he isn’t friends with your sister, and he is, for all intents and purposes, an adversary on an opposing team, then why did he get so fired up yesterday whenyourteammate, Jazz, hadcommentsabout your decision to take the Jeep and venture out on your own? In fact, Ozrik, a practical stranger, seemed ready to fight… in your defense.”
I stared unblinking at Hugh, but wasn’t sure if I was reading the subtext accurately or not. Did everyone know or suspect about Ozrik and me? Cautiously, I threw the ball back in his court.
“I think the better question is, why was Ozrik the only person with enough human decency to stand up to Jazz when he was so obviously making bullying remarks toward his own team member? Why is it acceptable to ignore someone who is being tormented?”
“Touché. Regardless, it was very noble of him.” Hugh shifted his weight. “Let’s talk about Jazz.”
“Let’s not.”
He ignored me. “This wasn’t the first time he’s made disrespectful comments. He seems hot-tempered.”
“I’m not here to bad-mouth people. I know that’s what you want, but you won’t get it from me.”
Hugh smirked. “Fair enough. Let’s talk about this morning instead.”
My scalp prickled. I stayed silent, hoping he didn’t read the panic in my eyes.
“Rumor has it you took off this morning and didn’t tell anyone where you went.”
“I didn’t know I was supposed to report to anyone.”
“Where did you go?”
“A walk.”
“A walk. Interesting.”
“Why is that interesting?”
“Where to?”
“Around. I walked around. I don’t know the city, and I wasn’t paying close attention. I ended up farther away than I anticipated.”
Humor crinkled the corners of Hugh’s eyes. “What time did you leave?”
I squirmed and glanced at Ozrik’s room again, but he and his friends had gone. “I-I don’t remember. Early.”
“Convenient.”
“What are you getting at?”
“I don’t believe you, Gale. This subject makes you nervous, and I know you’re lying.”
It took everything in me not to flee or react. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Why would I lie?”
Hugh chuckled and pressed a button on the camera. The red recording light went off.
He approached and straddled the bench opposite me, leaning in as though imparting a secret. “Let’s have a chat. Man to man.”
I stayed quiet.
“I’m going to share a little something with you off the record since this interview is turning into a complete waste of time. Are you listening?”
