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“You want to save face. Prove yourself. Sometimes, you have to admit when you have a weakness. You’reallowedto put on the brakes.”
Avery contemplated Gray’s words, knowing there was truth in them. He realized he should likely call out that day… but he also didn’t want to endanger the job he had. Especially with the investigation ongoing.
“I’ll see if I can start doing some of my work at home. For the next heat. I’ll tell Wilder that Lake has started his… and I’ll need to be home to help. You’ll soon have a new baby and won’t be able to be here with him. Maybe I can use that as my excuse.”
“What about today?”
“I’m taking extra pills. It’ll be okay. I swear.”
Gray shook his head. “I can only trust that you know your body and your limits. Just promise me that if something happens, you’ll call for Rohan to help you. Please.”
“I called him the last time I struggled.”
“I know. And I’m glad you did.” Gray smiled pensively. “Be careful.”
“I will.” He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his uncle’s cheek before returning to the kitchen to collect his bag. Glancing at Lake, he sighed. “Take it easy on Uncle Gray today, ehh?”
“I always do,” Lake replied.
“Sure,” Avery said before tossing his backpack over one shoulder. “I’ll see you after work.”
“Isn’t it a bit early?” Gray asked as he struggled to pull his very pregnant body onto the stool beside Lake.
“I want to get an early start after missing time,” Avery replied.Time before Wilder arrives so I can focus.
“Bye,” Lake replied, waving with his cereal spoon.
“Bye,” Avery parroted, not feeling the love. “You two play nice today.”
“We will,” Gray said, rubbing Lake’s shoulder.
Lake didn’t say anything, just forced another spoonful between his lips. Avery wasn’t sure the pouting would end anytime soon. His brother was the king of holding a grudge.
Avery left, determined to find a way to keep his precarious situation in place. He rode the trolley into work, nearly empty at the early hour. The streets were sparse, with few office workers going in at that time. He sped through security with ease and climbed aboard an elevator. Just before the doors shut, a broad hand swept in and prevented them from closing.
Gus Hardwick stood between the opening doors. His broad face was even ruddier than usual. His eyes even harder.
“Norcross. Early morning up on the top floor, hmm?”
“Yes, sir.”
Mr. Hardwick entered the car and turned to face forward. “So… what does Jaymes have you doing upstairs?”
“A special project,” he answered, as he’d been instructed.
“Iamyour boss. You can talk to me about it. I’ve been looped in.”
No, you haven’t.“I was told this wasn’t for anyone’s eyes and ears but Vaughn Jaymes. I wouldn’t want to get in trouble.”
“Do you really think they’d pull you out ofmydepartment if I wasn’t a part of this whole thing? I was the one who suggested you for it.”
Avery swallowed thickly, running out of ways to say no.Just play dumb.“I’m sure it would be better to talk to Mr. Jaymes. I’m just doing data entry, really. Nothing all that special. I’m not really sure what it’s all about. Makes little sense to me.”
“Ah,” Hardwick huffed. He smiled. “He’s keeping it close to the vest, hmm?”
“Yep, seems so. I don’t even know what he’s got going on.”
“Well, youarewet behind the ears. Makes sense,” Hardwick replied.
