Page 47 of Omega's Fire

“What the hell is this?” I scan the university notice more carefully. The language is vague. Any form of disagreement might be enough to get me expelled from my degree.

“It came down this morning,” Meg says. “Right after Thorndike’s press conference with the dean.”

“Nash did a press conference?”

“Yeah, all about the ‘campus safety initiative,’” Meg makes air quotes with her fingers. She pushes past me into the room, pacing the small space. “Thorndike stood right next to Jones while he announced it. Didn’t say much, but his presence said everything.”

I sink onto my mattress, legs suddenly unsteady. “I don’t understand. Why would Nash...?”

“Why would he what? What’s going on with you? You know who he is.” Meg stops pacing and stares at me. “It’s Thorndike’s baby, isn’t it?”

I nod, unable to meet her eyes. “It happened during my heat at the cottage. I found out after the Brennan & Wallace interview.”

“Jesus, Leo.” Meg drops beside me on the mattress. “And you haven’t told anyone? Not even me?”

“I wasn’t ready.” I twist my hands in my lap. “I’m still not ready, but...” I gesture vaguely at my midsection. “It’s getting harder to hide.”

Meg’s expression softens. “How far along are you?”

“About five months.” I risk a glance at her face. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.”

She reaches for my hand, squeezing it tightly. “Does he know?”

“Not yet. He will soon. I’ve filed for custody. He’s going to get the papers any day.”

“Do you think he’ll just accept that?”

“I don’t know,” I admit. “That’s why I need the injunction. That’s why I need to finish school, secure the internship, find proper housing.” I look around the spartan room. “I can’t raise a baby here.”

“Okay, we’ll figure that out.” Meg’s tone turns practical and I recognize this side to her. She’s going into problem-solving mode.

“And I hate to take the focus off you when you need help but we need to deal with this urgently.” She taps the papers. “We need it removed today.”

I scan the documents again, trying to think past the fog of pregnancy hormones.

“This timing can’t be coincidental,” I say. “Nash arrives and suddenly the administration cracks down?”

“Exactly,” Meg stands again, restless energy radiating from her. “He’s behind it. He has to be. They’ve brought him in to knock us down. It’s also not a coincidence that you’re here. He’s going to try use it to get to you.”

I shake my head slowly. “It’s not his style.”

“It’s exactly his style,” Meg’s voice rises incredulously. “He kidnapped you!”

“That was the Bureau, not Nash.” The distinction feels important, though I can’t quite articulate why.

“Since when do you defend Thorndick?” Meg’s eyes narrow suspiciously.

“I’m not defending him,” I insist. “I just know how he operates.”

“Well, whatever’s happening, we need to respond.” Meg’s expression is fierce. “We’re meeting tonight to plan our next move. You’ll be there, right?”

I twist my hands in my lap. “I can’t risk getting expelled, Meg. Not now. I’m too close to graduation.”

“So we just give up?”

“I didn’t say that.” I take a deep breath. “I’ll go talk to Nash.”

Meg’s eyebrows shoot up. “You’ll what?”

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