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Chapter Nineteen
ISABEL
Everyone insisted that I go into work today. They said there’s nothing I can do to help and the distraction would be good for me. I talked myself into agreeing, but now that I’m here, it was clearly a mistake. It’s no surprise that I can’t concentrate as I worry about my roommates and the enormous, complicated mess we have on our hands.
My nerves are also on edge from two cryptic texts from Pierce. One says he forgives me for the way I’ve been acting, that he knows I’ve been manipulated by Tristan. But it’s the second that planted a permanent rock in my stomach:
Don’t worry, babe. It’ll all be over soon.
It doesn’t help that every time I check my phone for an update on Tristan and Kim, I get nothing. Yes, I have all the messages Idon’twant, and none of the ones I do.
By lunchtime, I’m not even comprehending the design documents I’m supposed to be reviewing.
“You okay?” Vicky asks, stopping by my desk. “You look like you’re dragging today.”
Understatement. Even the hundred cups of coffee I’ve swallowed haven’t been enough to keep me going.
I force a smile. “Just tired. Had a difficult weekend.”
Her frown seems sincere. “I’m sorry to hear that. Still not feeling well from being sick?”
“Partly.”
It’s kind of true. Just because my “illness” wasn’t caused by a scientifically recognized virus doesn’t mean I wasn’t sick. In some ways, I feel “sicker” than I’ve ever been.
“Okay. Well, if you have to duck out early, you can work on the SDS at home.”
“Thanks,” I say. “I may have to. I’ll see how this afternoon goes.”
She offers a quick smile and continues to her office.
My phone buzzes a few minutes later, and I look down to see an incoming call from Iris. I push up from my desk and move toward the flex room reserved for private meetings and conversations.
“Hey, Iris,” I say, closing the door.
“Hi, Isabel. Sorry I didn’t call with an update sooner, but I hadn’t heard much since the last time we talked. I just got the latest, and wanted to fill you in.”
My heart races as I lean against the door. “I understand. What’s up?”
“First off, did Tristan get home okay?”
“Yeah. Sorry for not letting you know. I should have messaged you.”
“It’s fine. I’m glad to hear that. What did he tell you?”
“Nothing, really,” I say with a sigh. “He never does.”
“Well, here’s what my dad found out. Tristan was being held for questioning on an alleged robbery. Supposedly, they found Pierce’s wallet in his locker at work.”
“What?!”
“I know, right? Ridiculous. Anyway, we think it was all pretense. Pierce’s doing, probably.”
“Definitely. He’s the one who texted me the picture, remember? He was obviously involved.”
“Yes. No charges were filed, though, so there shouldn’t be anything else related to that. My dad talked to Tristan’s dad this morning, and as angry as we are, they think it’s best to let this go for now. Not only do they fear making more trouble for Tristan, we have to consider the potential impact on Kim when she comes forward.”
“When? I thought we weren’t doing that. What about the whole ‘exculpatory evidence’ thing?”
