alked to the personal

sharp eyes looke

asked, her tone sugg

my government

new life. And I need it

resses from Chanel, shoes from Louboutin, a handbag from Hermès

accumulated hazard pay, per di

ed from skeptical to fawning. Mo

e, I looked in the

aring back w

wore a deep blue silk dress that shimmered when sh

cientist. She

as a

kiosk to make one call. I knew the number

d on the f

ee

voice steady. "It'

take of breath on th

re are you?

I'm okay. But something

oosing my wo

need you to send help. Not the police. Someone you tru

most hear the gears turni

e cavalr

lipped and all business. "Help is on t

hun

te suite, the expensive leather cool

larship kid from a dirt-poor town in Appalach

sorry f

her scholarship was delayed one semester, I paid her tu

e. My best friend.

l my dreams,

, and smiled, and pl