Page 35 of Submission

“This is just for the initial two-week training period. I’ll talk to Mr. Middleton about–“ Megan looks up when I enter. “Oh, you’re here.”

“I wanted to discuss something with you, but I see you’re busy. I can come back.”

“Actually, this is great timing. Lacy, this is Mr. Middleton.”

The woman turns around, and I blink. There’s a dullness to her eyes, but there’s something vaguely familiar about her features.

“Mr. Middleton, Lacy is the new kitchen hire I told you about–Billy’s referral. Today was her trial run in the kitchen. I tried some of the food earlier before all of the drama, but I have to say, I think it’s quite good. I was hoping you’d agree if we signed her on for a two-week probationary period and, if all goes well, a full hire.”

I nod at Megan as the woman doesn’t make direct eye contact with me but at least extends her hand. “Hi, sir; thank you for the chance.”

I look down at her hand, and as I grasp it, I see something on the edge of her inner wrist. Without thinking, I turn her hand over, and suddenly, it feels like I’ve been punched, and all the air has left my body.

Holy hell.

There’s a faded leaf-shaped mark on her wrist.

Chapter 12

Do You Trust Me?

Hunter

Lacy’s voice fades as she stares at the grip I have on her hand. “Is everything okay?”

When she pulls her hand away, I raise my eyes to hers. “Um, what did you say your name was?”

“Lacy.” She pulls her wrist towards her chest warily. “It’s Lacy.”

“What’s your last name?” I look at her face, trying to discern whether I’m actually seeing what I hope for or if I’m just imagining things. “Who are your parents?”

“I don’t have parents.”

The young woman is beginning to look exceedingly uncomfortable, and she looks over her shoulder at Megan, who justifiably looks just as confused.

“I was raised in foster care,” she finally adds, only increasing my curiosity about her.

“I see.“

“Hunter, can I have a word?” Megan gives me a sharp look, and I follow after her without any pushback because I’m a little off-kilter.

Closing the door behind her, she studies me and then whispers, “What’s going on? Who is she?”

I stare at her blankly, not knowing what to say. What I’m thinking sounds improbable and frankly a little desperate.

“Hunter?“

“Hire her,” I finally tell her. “I need her bio-data.”

“Hunter.” The sudden fear on Megan’s face snaps me out of my shocked state. “Is there something I should know?” She hesitates, and I can see a flash of pain in her eyes before her face becomes hardened. “I told you that I would step back if you found–“

My heart almost goes still at the words she’s forcing out, so I stop her before she continues. “Wait, it’s not like that,” I promise her. “Don’t be ridiculous. Don’t even think of trying to get rid of me.”

I can see her trying to search my eyes for truth, and finally, her stiffened face starts to relax. “Okay then, what’s going on? Who is she? You clearly seem to know her.”

I’m silent for a moment, and then I ask, “Do you trust me?”

She meets my gaze and gives me a dim smile. “That kind of goes without saying at this point, doesn’t it?”

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