n Knap
rtine floors of the lobby. It was a crisp, deliberate sound
er welcoming smile faltering into confusion. "A
picking up a few personal things." The words were calm, but the
pity, and in some corners, a smug satisfaction. My workstation was in a prime location, a spacious
immediately, a low
y brought a
r true? Her
ice until after midni
dn't change. It was like listeni
fore the company, a small potted succulent that had somehow survived my neglect. I took
ensive perfume. Ciera. She was dressed in a sharp, tail
ncern and surprise. It was just loud enough for everyone in the vicinity to
ble, caring friend, the peacemaker. She wa
ok at her. I just stacked a few books i
d on, her voice dripping with faux sympathy. "Jayson was working so hard on that project last n
e, painting a picture of them as partners burning the midnigh
into its case and slowly, deliberately, raised my h
f ice beneath it. I saw the confidence in her eyes wav
gold necklace at her throat. A piece I recognized.
et, but it cut through the offi
hings," I said, my eyes locked on the ne
The double meaning was unmistakable. I wasn't talking about the necklac
o retort, but no words came out. Any defense she could offer wou
x, stacked it on my suitcase, and stood up. I was taller than her by a goo
turned and walked toward the
anticipation. They were all wondering what I would do ne
had n
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