Maren nodded. “I won’t do anything while they have Juni.”
Colin looked away, staring at the elevators as if he were made of ice.
Hailstorm fits him.
Maren pulled the glass door open and stepped into the office. A receptionist sat behind the desk. She looked up.
“Good afternoon. Do you have an appointment?”
Maren’s mouth went bone dry. “I do.” Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat. “I’m here to see Mr. Howell. Mira Walsh.”
The receptionist looked at her screen. “Yes, Ms. Walsh. He’ll be right with you. Have a seat. I’m Amy. Can I get you something to drink, some water maybe? You sound like you need to hydrate.” She was already standing up.
“Thank-thank you.”
Amy went to a small refrigerator with a glass door and took out a bottle of water. Maren took it with another thank you and twisted off the top. The water was ice cold and she drank it too quickly, giving herself a stomach cramp.
Great. All I need to do is get sick on the lobby floor. That would really sell it.
Amy’s phone buzzed. She stood up again. “Mr. Howell is ready for you.” She walked to an oak door and opened it. Maren followed Amy down a hallway to the corner office. The receptionist knocked twice before opening the door and gestured for Maren to step inside.
Nate Howell looked like he was in his forties. Maren could smell his expensive cologne the moment she walked in.
“Welcome, Mira.” He came around his desk to shake her hand then gestured at one of two leather chairs. “I’m Nate. My father retired six months ago, so I’m afraid you’re stuck with me today,” he joked.
Now that she was here, time seemed to stop. “I don’t know if your father explained the agreement we had?”
“The agreement, yes.” He opened a file on his blotter and took out a photograph. Maren looked down into her twin’s face. Mira smiled back up at her through the years. The photo had been taken in this office.
“I’m confirming this is you, Mira Walsh,” Nate said as he looked between her and the photo. “Now I just need the code word and we can continue.”
Please let me be right.
Maren swallowed. “Hammock.”
Nate paused. Then he nodded. “How can I help you?”
“I need everything I left with your father, please.”
Nate stood up. “I’ll go get it for you. It’s in the vault. I’ll be right back.” He gave her a smile and left his office.
Maren stared at her sister.
We did it!
Of course we did, sis, Mira answered her.I knew you’d remember.
You didn’t have to trick me, you know.
I do now.
Today is the day I step out of your shadow, Mira.
About damn time,her sister answered, her voice fading as the door behind her opened and Nate returned carrying a thick manila envelope.
Maren stood up and he handed it to her.
“Here you are. Do you want to go through it to confirm that everything is there?”
