Page 70 of What Comes Around

Knox’s expression didn’t change, but the temperature in the room dropped.

“I am well aware of how often you frequent this desk,” he said, voice quiet but edged. “This is your first and final warning.”

Tim froze.

“Get back to work,” Knox growled. “And do not let me catch you here again.”

Blood drained from Tim’s face. “Yes, sir.”

“Go,” Knox said, jaw clenched. “Now.”

Tim practically sprinted toward the elevator. The moment he disappeared, the entire floor pretended to be deeply, profoundly invested in their monitors. No one breathed too loudly. No one moved.

Knox turned to me like nothing had happened.

“Ashley,” he said, “did you finish the Salt Lake report?”

“Yes,” I said calmly. “I sent it an hour ago.”

He nodded once. “Good.”

Then he walked into his office and closed the door.

The second it clicked shut, three heads popped up over their monitors like meerkats.

Claire mouthed, What was THAT?

Nora’s eyes were huge.

Priya fanned herself dramatically.

I just turned back to my screen, pretending my pulse wasn’t still racing.

The entire week, my coworkers kept pushing me to come out with them on Friday.

It started casually.

“Come on, Ashley, it’ll be fun,” Claire said on Monday afternoon.

“You never go anywhere,” Nora added on Tuesday. “One drink. One.”

Priya tried the gentle approach on Wednesday. “No pressure, just friends hanging out.”

By Thursday, they had worn me down.

“Fine,” I said. “I will come. For one drink.”

Reluctantly.

The truth was simple: I would’ve preferred to go home. People were exhausting. Noise was exhausting. Pretending to be relaxed was exhausting.

We met at a bar near the office, one of those trendy places with dim lighting and overpriced cocktails. I didn’t drink alcohol, so I ordered sparkling water with lime and kept my bag close, pepper spray tucked inside.

I tried to loosen up, but my shoulders stayed tense. I spoke when spoken to, smiled when appropriate, nodded along to stories. The others seemed happy enough with that.

Tim slid into the seat beside me. “Rough week?”

“Just long,” I said.