Page 60 of Small Sacrifices

"Right," Everett says. "That doesn't actually make it better, though."

No, it doesn't. Reid sighs internally. There's still something deep within him that wants to think the best of the governor, to defend him. But it doesn't really feel like the man deservesit anymore. Instead, he asks, "Do you want to go back to the hotel?"

"Yes." The answer is immediate and breathy. Reid tries to ignore the shudder that prickles down his spine.

When Officer Holland sees them coming, he gets out of the car. But Everett doesn't greet him, merely brushes by him on his way into his seat. Reid feels numb. He doesn't know what to make of any of this. The reason he fought to get his job was because he wanted to help someone who does good. This is the exact opposite of good. So what does that mean for Reid?

They don't talk on the way back, except for a brief interlude in which Everett instructs Reid to go up first so that no one sees them together. Reid worries about leaving him like this. But when he catches his eyes, Everett smiles at him and promises he's fine.

Entering the lobby, Reid is met with the tense presence of Governor Mackenzie and Mr. Wright, who are lingering at the reception desk. Mr. Wright's expression turns sour when he spots Reid.

"Mr. Maxwell. Where were you?" he asks.

"Exploring the city?" Damn, he should have asked Everett what he can tell people. Do they need separate stories?

Thankfully, the interrogation doesn't last too long. Mr. Mackenzie doesn't look particularly interested, which is also a relief. When he reaches his room, it doesn't take him too long to figure out what was bothering them.Lieutenant Governor Coleman calls for criminal prosecution of Agrifarm execs—"actions should have consequences"the headline to aWashington Postarticle proclaims, posted just an hour ago.

Reid closes his eyes against the wave of emotions this sets loose in him. Not too long ago, he'd have been confused. And he still is, a bit, but he's also... cold. It makes him feel cold, the knowledge that they're angry about this. How are these thepeople he's working for? They were supposed to be the ones seeking justice, not running from it.

Eventually, he unfreezes enough to take off his shoes and lie down on the carpet. Deep breaths and the pressure of the hard floor against his back center him enough that he eventually thinks he'd like to read a book now.

Of course, that's the moment Mr. Wright knocks on his door.

Reid is very proud of the tight control he maintains over his facial expression when he catches sight of the man. After a breath, he even asks, "How can I help you?"

"You're gonna need to go home," Mr. Wright says.

His first instinct is to point out the time, but Reid tamps that down. He got the whole day off. Pointing out it's almost six isn't likely to gain him any favors.

"Oh," he says instead. "Today?"

"Well, then you can work the whole day tomorrow," Mr. Wright points out. "You have thirty minutes to pack, and then Officer Holland will drive you to the airport."

He's gone again so quickly that Reid couldn't have asked a question even if he wanted to. Currently, he's too busy processing the thought that he's unlikely to be home before midnight, and Mr. Wright still expects him to work a full day on Friday.

Screw Mr. Wright, honestly. He'd ask what's wrong with the man, but by now the answer is obvious—he knows he'll get away with it. If anything, Reid is lucky that it's just his working hours that the man is playing fast and loose with. Some of the looks he's seen him aim at female coworkers made him physically uncomfortable—and he wasn't even the one Mr. Wright was looking at.

Ordinarily, he'd get upset over this. And he is annoyed, but he can't afford to be upset right now. He just gets to packing. When he's finished, he even remembers to text Everett.

They're sending me home.

There, that's good, right? Not so much information that it could be annoying, but not so little that Everett will think Reid is trying to get away from him or something equally unlikely.

what y?

They don't need me here anymore. Mr. Wright wants me to work in the office tomorrow.

but the flight is like two hrs? when do u sleep? they cant make u stay up forever and then demand u work the next day.

A month ago, Reid would have said the same. Now, he's quite intent on keeping his job. Mr. Wright could probably find a reason to legally fire Reid if he doesn't play along. He's going to have to compromise, no matter his personal ethics and comfort. It's curious how quickly things can change.

They can and they will. I need this job.

I don't want to fight about this right now.

Everett moves on to the next topic effortlessly. When Mr. Holland knocks to collect Reid, his mood is already much lifted. Even the wait in the airport isn't so bad when they're texting back and forth. Airplane mode prevents this while Reid is up in the air, but he tells Everett when he's landed and receives astring of celebratory emojis in return. When he falls into bed half an hour after midnight, at least he does so with a smile. The missed call from his mother is going to have to wait until he can string a proper sentence together.

Chapter 20: It's all fine

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