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Even our thoughts were in sync. The world was so unfair.
“And so modest,” I said aloud. “How does your head fit through the entrance to the club? Did you have it widened to accommodate your ego?”
He didn’t smile. He kept his gaze firmly on my face, as though it might crack open at any moment and reveal all my secrets.
“You should go back,” I urged. “She’ll be looking for you, and we don’t want to ruin our plan now. Thanks again for your help.”
“You did all the work. I didn’t do anything.”
“No, but you would have if I’d needed you to.”
“Yes, I would’ve done whatever you needed. Anything at all.”
The pounding of my heart threatened to give me away. I slammed the door shut and put the truck in reverse. Only when I turned to join the road did I dare glance in the rearview mirror. The prince of hell was gone.
CHAPTER12
Istared at my bedroom ceiling. If I dared to look at my phone, I’d probably discover I’d been studying the lines in the ceiling for hours, imagining them as primitive cave drawings. I was an expert storyteller when it came to cracks in plaster; each foster home had its share of small fractures, and I learned to dissociate by losing myself in them. I only knew it was morning now because of the shards of light poking into the room.
My phone vibrated on the bedside table. I glanced at the screen to see a text from my pal Albert.
It was time for Phase 2.
I sent a message to Gun to update him, then I showered and dressed in comfy sweatpants and a loose-fitting T-shirt. Nana Pratt would not approve.
I managed to scarf down Greek yogurt topped with blueberries and slurp down half a cup of tea before the ward activated.
I hurried to the door and was surprised to see Albert on the front porch. I yanked open the door. “What are you doing here?”
“Good morning, sunshine. I’m here to escort you to the lab.”
“I assumed I was driving myself. I know how to get to the compound.”
“Standard procedure. Sorry, I should’ve said so in my text.”
“I thought your involvement was limited to the assessment. Now you’re a chauffeur?”
Albert shrugged. “It’s Mr. Magnarella’s way of keeping a tight lid on things.” He inched to the side to admire the large window. “This place is amazing. I love an old house with original features.”
“I’m working on preserving the ones inside, too. They won’t all survive, but I’ll do my best.”
Albert nodded. “Historic preservation is so important.”
“I thought you were the science guy.”
“I can’t have a spot for both? History and science go hand in hand, as far as I’m concerned. The past informs the present in both cases.” He checked his watch. “We should go. Dr. Edmonds is expecting you in five minutes.”
“What would’ve happened if I’d been in the shower when you arrived?”
“I would’ve waited patiently like a gentleman, but I would’ve been stressed about it.”
The right answer. I closed the door behind me and locked it. “How long will this take?”
“Not too long. It’s only a patch test.”
I strode beside him along the walkway to the bridge. “This is the part where Dusty turned into a swan.”
“Yes. That’s the reason they do a patch test. You wouldn’t want that to happen later.”
