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“Miss Thompson, is that you?”

“Oh hey… Bryan?”

“That’s the one. Does your father know you’re here?”

No.

I force a smile. “Actually, I was just going to go see him. Any idea where he is?”

“He’s probably back in his office.”

“Thanks, Bryan.” I slip passed him.

“It’s good to see you again, Miss Thompson.”

Letting out a small breath, I hurry down the hall leading toward the back of the building. I’ve almost reached my dad’s office when I hear voices.

“Not what we agreed, Phillip.”

I freeze at the anger in my dad’s voice.

“This is the only way, Garth.” The other voice is muffled, but there’s no mistaking it’s Phillip Cargill. “Need her to…”

A trickle of awareness goes through me, and I creep closer.

“She is… daughter. It’s not fair… Cade… dangerous…”

I can only make out every other word, but my body vibrates with fear.

Are they talking about me?

About me and Cade?

“Not a choice, Thompson.” Phillip’s voice is full of frustration. “We agreed. You agreed. Now… see this through.”

My stomach drops.

See what through?

A bang down the hall startles me, and I hear Phillip say, “We’ll finish this another time.” There’s a rustle and footsteps.

Heart in my throat, I take off down the hall. I don’t know what I just heard, but something deep inside me tells me I don’t want to be caught eavesdropping.

The women’s restroom looms up ahead, so I duck inside, waiting for Phillip to leave. His heavy footsteps pass the door, and I let out a shaky breath.

This was a bad idea. A really bad idea. But I’m here now, and Bryan saw me.

Crap.

Crap. Crap. Crap.

Splashing some cold water on my face, I dry my hands and inhale a steady breath. Pulling open the door, I step back into the hall and make my way to Dad’s office.

“Come in,” he says.

“Hey, Dad.” I peek around the door.

“Mia? This is a surprise.” He leans back in his chair, studying me. There’s no evidence of his tense conversation with Phillip. He looks just like my dad. Kind eyes and a warm smile that he reserves for me and Mom.