Page 13 of Dark Endures

Not really, but I can figure it out since it’s so close to work. “Sure. Sounds good.”

We both step away from our desks and head towards the elevators just as Adonis steps out. “Ladies, how was your day?”

“Good,” we say in unison.

“Will you be able to come to the group dinner on Friday? We’re having hibachi.”

Like I can afford a meal out or the time off from work. Every minute counts. “I can’t make it.”

“Me either. Maverick is bringing me to meet his family.”

“Really?” Why did I just assume a man like him was a lone wolf with no family to fall back on? “That’s so exciting.” Which is a total lie.

“Oh. Yeah, that's great.” Adonis doesn’t sound as excited.

He probably knows the same thing as I do. Everyone is awkward. They pretend to be nice even when they aren’t…especially when they aren’t. The nicer they act at these things, the meaner they are.

“Have a nice night.” I need to hurry to make the subway train to get home to walk the dogs before I head back to Willow Street.

Trust Fall

Maddox

I turn off the security feed. Watching Mindy work has told me absolutely nothing about her except that she likes to talk to my pets and that the only time her smile goes away is when she’s alone. It hasn’t gotten me any closer to figuring out what’s wrong with her.

Her credit is fine. Mindy lives well within her means. She has no outstanding medical bills. Though she should get her routine checkups done. It’s been years since she’s had one.

She had plenty of money in the bank, except she wrote a check to Waylon Gilham. A very large check.

Who is he to her, and what was it for?

Gilham is a happily married family man with a growing business. It’s a little cash-strapped, but they have enough contracts that they’re going to end the year well in the black.

Nothing explains what Fea saw. Or a woman working herself into the ground.

“So?” Fea walks into my office way too early to be coming for the meeting.

“She’s doing fine.” I close the curtains for her.

“That’s not what I heard. I heard she’s doing amazing. Otto keeps singing her praises far and wide. He can’t stop talking about how organized and efficient she is. That the animals are completely comfortable with her.”

That’s because she talks to them.

“And that the space has never been more organized or cleaner.” Fea grins.

“She was a good pick for the job.”

Fea leans back and folds her hands. “Thank you. Did you figure out what’s going on with her?”

“No. Can’t you just ask her?” It would be so much faster. Though figuring Mindy out hasn’t been boring.

“I wish I could figure out a way. We barely know each other, and I haven’t met a person with as many walls up as she has.”

So, it’s like looking in a mirror, is it? Fea’s mind is an impenetrable fortress when she wants it to be.

“We’re meeting again on Saturday. I’ll try to feel her out. Gotta go. I’ll be back later for the council meeting.”

I flip back on the security feeds. Mindy strokes Sweetie.

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