Page 46 of East (The Moral Compass 3)

“Well, you got at least one of those things wrong.”

“No, I didn’t, and you know it. Now, stop with all this weird shit and see if you can find me some decent coffee, would you? Not the stuff they bring round on the trolley. A real nice one.” She gives me a fake smile.

I know what she’s doing. She wants me out of this room so she can get her composure back, but I’m not moving. I can see a chink in her armour, and I am going to sit here all day and chip away until it cracks. I will get the truth out of her if it’s the last thing I do.

“Actually, I don’t think you drinking coffee after having a problem with your heart is the best idea. Here, drink this water.” I pick up the plastic beaker and offer it to her.

“I really would like some coffee.” Her jaw is tight. I get a little flutter in my stomach. I’m winning.

“I don’t think so. It’s this or nothing.”

“Nothing, then.” Fuck, she is so stubborn.

“Fine.”

“You don’t need to be here. And I am tired. I’m really tired.”

“Really? You didn’t look tired when Kara was here. You don’t actually look that tired now. Why do you want me to leave?”

“Zed, please. Stop with the torture. If you want to do anything, go and find Margarite and find out who is threatening your brother. If you want to do something nice for me, then bring me my laptop. Even if I can’t help, at least it’ll give me something to do until I can get out of here.”

“Have they said how long it will be?”

“A week at the most. Probably less. They just need to make sure the pins have set properly. Then, I will have them removed in twelve weeks.”

“Do you have to have it done here?”

“No, I can have it done here, London, or New York. It doesn’t really matter, although they said flying would probably be out of the question for the time being.”

“So, how are you going to get back to New York or London?”

“I haven’t decided where I’m going yet. I will probably ask North or Kara to drive me back to New York or maybe just hire a driver. Like I said, I’ve not given it too much thought.”

“Wait a minute. I am not letting you just drive off across the country with a driver. Absolutely no freaking way. You can stay here until you can fly. I’ll take care of you. You’re going to need a hand anyway.” I laugh. “Get it… need a hand?”

“Oh, so drole. Hilarious in fact. Do not give up your day job.” She smirks and then lets out a small laugh.

Those damn eyes when she smiles.

“I do think you should go, though. You have so much to do and sitting here is not finding Margarite. She could be halfway across the world for all you know.”

“No, she’s not. We know she’s here; we just can’t catch her. But North is adamant he has a strong lead, so stop worrying.”

“Can I ask you something? But only answer me if you are going to tell me the truth.”

I don’t like questions like that. It means I’m going to have to betray someone’s trust, and that someone is possibly West.

“Ask me the question. If I can answer, I will. Is that fair enough?”

“So, you know my friend Chelsea?”

I know where this is going…

“Yeah.”

“Is she on the payroll?”

Fuck.

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