Page 183 of Reaper Said Mine

After a while, Gnash says, "You found something."

It isn't a question.

I sigh.

"How do you always know?"

"Because your angry face differs from your worried face."

I glance up at him.

"I have different faces?"

"Many."

His hand settles against the small of my back.

The simple touch steadies me.

"Ursa," he says softly.

The concern in his voice strips away my remaining defenses.

I draw a breath.

"I think you've been manipulated."

He doesn't answer immediately.

"I suspected that possibility."

I stare at him.

"You what?"

A faint rumble of amusement enters his voice.

"I am not stupid, little reporter."

"I didn't say you were."

"You were thinking it."

"I was absolutely thinking it."

A rough chuckle escapes him before fading.

I turn toward him.

"The Combine anticipated the confrontation."

His expression darkens.

"I know."

My breath catches.

"You know?"