who ran the place, a sharp-eyed woman named Mrs. Gable, was visibly impressed by Finley's status as a Columbia

loved the narrative sweep of history, found her rhythm quickly. She wasn't just reciting dates; she was tellin

ttle and scrolling through her phone. A few spam texts had come in-one offering

ted the other unfamiliar numbers, and hit "Block and

ew texts from him. In her quick, irritated sweep, his number, saved just the day before, was just ano

back to her lesson plan, completely unaware that sh

looking the Pacific Ocean, Garrison Strickland was not paying attention

mple message t

rst day is

n. But the message status benea

nt. Delive

probably. He exited the messa

aight to a cold, automated voice. The

g in the air,

oc

been

wered the phone, his knuckles white as he gripped it. Marri

s cousin's demeanor. The air around Garrison had dro

angerously quiet. "My

read across his face. He stifled a laugh, which qu

sharp spike of fear. She was in trouble. Dozier. Her

said to the room, his voice a low command. He walked out onto the adjoining

's phone. Now. And have our team check the security

right Minds" building. The street cam footage, grainy but clear, showed her through the front win

n't in

e had blocked

g: confusion. Why? Had she found something out? Impossible. His tracks were covered. Was it becaus

the situation, was intolerable. He, a man who could move markets wi

f it all crashing down on him. He cou

on. One deeply, profoun

h. He pitched his voice to sound like "Gary

quest, but I seem to have... misplaced Finley's number. My ph

nce on the other end. "Of

knew by heart. He hung up, his jaw tight wit

ur phone. A number s

rying to keep a

ard when her phone buzzed. A m

It seems I'm blocked.

oze. Gary

oc

ran cold

went to her block list. There, nestled betwee

eleted he

felt like the world's biggest idiot. She quickl

thought you were a spam call! I was cleani

He read it, and the tight knot of anger and confusion in his chest loos

back and replied f

you weren't trying to g

asing in the words, the playful undertone, made her cheeks

flustered and embarrasse

ame that made all the wa

zi