“Is there anything Iamallowed to do?” I can’t quite keep the edge out of my voice.
His expression doesn’t change. Not even a flicker. “You’re allowed to do your job. Within parameters.”
“Your parameters.”
“My family’s parameters.” He meets my eyes, and his gaze is hard. “You’re a guest here. Act like one.”
We lock eyes. Neither of us backs down.
“I’m going to find the truth about what happened to your parents,” I say quietly. “Whether you help me or not.”
“Truth.” He says the word like it tastes bitter on his tongue. “Everyone claims they want truth. What they really want is a story that confirms what they already believe.”
“That’s not me.”
“We’ll see.”
He turns to leave. Pauses. Points at the wall to my left. “My quarters are next door. If you need something in the night, knock.” His eyes narrow slightly. “If you try to wander the compound alone, I’ll know.”
So much for any late-night investigating. “Good to know I’ll be so...” I pause, choosing my words carefully. “Well-supervised.”
Is that a twitch at the corner of his mouth? No. I must have imagined it.
“Dinner is in one hour. Don’t be late.”
And then he’s gone.
I stand in the small room, heart pounding, processing what just happened.
