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“You’re so brilliant and put-together that I thought you were from…” His eyes drop to his shoes and he wrings his hands together. “I mean, I guess… I thought you were like all the people here. The ones who attended private schools since kindergarten. The ones with dads who own country clubs and play golf on the weekends. I thought you—”
“Were privileged and rich?”
He licks his lips nervously. “I wouldn’t say it like that.”
“Of course not.”
I get it. He saw my sister and realized where I come from. He took one look at Lyra and he knew exactly who she was, what kind of life she’d probably led and where she was going.
Everyone does that. We make snap judgements about a person based on their looks, their personality, their intelligence. I’m not surprised that Henry would buy me a pity sandwich after finding out my family comes from a less-than-stellar background.
“I really don’t mean to offend you.”
“I’m not offended, Henry. We all have our own baggage.”
“That’s not—” He sucks in a deep breath and his eyes skitter away. “I’m screwing this up.”
I check my watch. It’s late and I’m not exactly sure what the purpose of this conversation is. “Did you need something else, Henry?”
He must have read the dismissal in my tone or in my expression because he looks a little hurt. Backing away, he shakes his head. “No, uh, enjoy the rest of your night.”
The door clicks shut.
Alone again, I glance at my messy desk. There’s no way I can leave the office like this. Collecting all my colored pens, I sort them according to matte, regular, glitter, and bronze. After straightening my documents, I abandon any further desk organizing, collect my purse, and make my way downstairs.
The sandwich no longer looks appetizing and I’m not sure if it’s because I’m tired or because it didn’t come from Adam.
I need help.
My head iskillingme. The headache medication I’m using should only be taken once every twelve hours, but I might cheat and pop another one before falling into bed.
I meet Steve downstairs and he opens the back door for me.
“Goodnight, Steve,” I say, ducking inside. “I’m sorry to have you working so late.”
He shakes his head at my apology. “I heard it was an eventful day.”
“It was.” I say nothing more of the matter and Steve doesn’t ask.
After a few minutes of driving, I notice Steve heading south instead of north. Alarmed, I unbuckle my seatbelt and scoot to the edge of my seat.
“Steve, this isn’t the way to my apartment.”
Steve glances over his shoulder. “I was instructed to take you to Mr. Harrison.”
My shoulders tense on impact. “I’m not going there.”
“Miss Delaney, I have my instructions.”
“Who do you work for, Steve?”
He thinks it over. “Mr. Harrison.”
Traitor.“When did he give that instruction?”
“About four hours ago.”
What is Adam planning?
