n Knap

rtine floors of the lobby. It was a crisp, deliberate sound

er welcoming smile faltering into confusion. "A

picking up a few personal things." The words were calm, but the

pity, and in some corners, a smug satisfaction. My workstation was in a prime location, a spacious

immediately, a low

y brought a

r true? Her

ice until after midni

dn't change. It was like listeni

fore the company, a small potted succulent that had somehow survived my neglect. I took

ensive perfume. Ciera. She was dressed in a sharp, tail

ncern and surprise. It was just loud enough for everyone in the vicinity to

ble, caring friend, the peacemaker. She wa

ok at her. I just stacked a few books i

d on, her voice dripping with faux sympathy. "Jayson was working so hard on that project last n

e, painting a picture of them as partners burning the midnigh

into its case and slowly, deliberately, raised my h

f ice beneath it. I saw the confidence in her eyes wav

gold necklace at her throat. A piece I recognized.

et, but it cut through the offi

hings," I said, my eyes locked on the ne

The double meaning was unmistakable. I wasn't talking about the necklac

o retort, but no words came out. Any defense she could offer wou

x, stacked it on my suitcase, and stood up. I was taller than her by a goo

turned and walked toward the

anticipation. They were all wondering what I would do ne

had n