Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 77354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
How long will it be before I have peace?
Maybe Eira was right and I should have gotten on a plane back to London weeks ago.
Even if he didn’t want to listen to me, I wish Bennett had listened to Tristan or Aarvi. I’m sure his team could reassure him of Tristan’s credentials.
I bring up Telegram on my phone and scan through the limited texts I had with Tristan. I type out a message, asking him for one last favor. Could he check in on Bennett? I tell him I’ll pay anything that’s required. First, it will prove to Bennett I’m not involved, and more importantly, Bennett will get resolution on who’s trying to get into Fort’s systems if he hasn’t already.
As I stuff my phone back in my apron pocket, it buzzes.
Tristan’s replied right away.
All sorted. Spoken to all involved and everything’s resolved.
As fast as I can, I type out a reply asking for clarification, but despite staring at the phone for at least ten minutes, Tristan doesn’t reply.
I pull out my book and try to read, all the while listening for another buzz, telling me Tristan’s replied.
As I’m reading, the lightwell goes dark, as if someone’s covered it from the sky with a great big blanket. Splatters of rain create darkened circles on the concrete floor of the lightwell.
The rain reminds me urgently of home. Ironically, these darkened skies lighten my heart. I stuff my book back in my bag and race to the staff entrance to feel the water on my face. If I could transport myself back to London with a click of my fingers right now, that’s exactly what I’d do.
I burst out of the fire exit doors, away from the heat of the air-conditioning units that flank the exit, and head to the street.
I stand in my uniform on the pavement and tip my face up to the sky, enjoying the way the water lands on my face. It gives short relief to the intense heat of the middle of the day. What I give up in refreshment of air-conditioning, I get back in the feeling of home.
What am I doing in New York? I’m sure if I talk to Gretel, she’ll understand I can’t stay any longer. I’ll find her at the end of my shift and tell her I need to resign. I’ve worked hard this summer and now I need to be back with my family, around people who have known me forever and loved me longer than that.
“Hey,” a familiar voice says.
I open my eyes and reflexively take a step back. It’s like the rain sent a mirage or something.
Bennett.
He’s exactly who I’m not expecting to see.
He looks good. Tired. But he’s had a haircut, and despite the heat, he’s still wearing a full suit.
I’m not sorry. If this is the last image of him that I have, I’m glad he’s in a suit. It’s Bennett at Bennett’s best.
I act like I haven’t just been caught collecting raindrops on my face. “Hey,” I reply.
Our gazes lock, and for a second, we’re transported back to the lake, skimming stones and toasting marshmallows while debating the sense of chopping wood in lingerie. And then I remember the things he accused me of, and the doubt he had about me. My gaze falls to the ground.
“I’m sorry,” he says, and I look up. “I should never have doubted you.” His tone sounds genuine, but it also sounds like we had an argument last night.
It’s been two weeks.
What took him so long to realize he fucked up?
“No,” I say simply. “You shouldn’t have.” I glance back to the staff gate. I should probably get back inside. I’m not meant to be wearing my uniform on the street.
“It wasn’t Leo,” he says.
My gaze slices to his and I just roll my eyes. Why is he here? If he still doesn’t believe me, he should just keep that to himself from now on. I’ve heard enough.
“I’m serious,” he continues. “Aarvi and her team figured it out. It was Nadia. She was making it look like Leo to cover her tracks.”
“Nadia?” I ask. And things start to slot into place. It makes much more sense for it to be an outsider than one of Bennett’s closest friends. He’s so careful and cautious about the people he surrounds himself with. They are more like brothers than friends. It was as if they had surrounded themselves with an invisible ring of steel that nothing could permeate. It makes much more sense that Bennett got that right.
I sigh, breathing out some of the frustration that’s been building over the last two weeks. “That’s good.” I pause. “For you. I mean, it’s good that Leo is who you thought he was.”
Bennett nods and pushes his hands into his pockets. “I should have trusted you.”