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“Look,” Beatrice places her hands on the table. She takes a deep breath. “Just don’t hurt her.”
“I was never going to hurt her.”
“I don’t want you to, but you might.”
“I won’t.”
“She’s a good person.”
“Nobody’s a good person, Beatrice.” We both know this. We both know what happens when you think someone is a good person. You underestimate them. You let your guard down. Those are the moments people tend to pounce on.
When someone thinks you’re a good person, they relax around you. They become playful and calm. They laugh with you, and they joke, but most of all, they let you know their secrets.
Secrets are their own currency in my world and Beatrice has some good ones.
What are Alex’s secrets?
She’s got to be hiding something. I don’t really buy the story of the sad graduate who can’t find a job in her field. Not really.
There must be something else, and I plan to find out what it is.
7.
Alex
Ishow up at the office ten minutes early. I don’t want to be early. I’d feel more comfortable arriving right on time, but I know that I need to impress Mr. Shadowvale.
Ryan.
Beatrice’s cousin.
She told me last night that he can be something of a dick, so I know that being hired doesn’t necessarily mean I’m out of the woods yet. What it does mean is that Ryan is someone I’m going to have to consistently work hard to make happy.
I’m so not ready for this. I wasn’t good at impressing my foster parents, my professors, or my former employers. What makes me think that working at Shadowvale Industries is going to be any different?
When I walk into the lobby, the receptionist greets me with a smile, and I make my way to the elevator. I want to thank her again for her kindness the other day, but I’m too anxious to even speak. She doesn’t stop me as I glide past her to the elevator. I remember the way. There’s a different person in the elevator than last time. The ride upstairs is silent.
When I reach the top floor, I exit the elevator and walk directly to Damien. I don’t look around. I don’t take in the scenery. Focus is the name of the game today, and I plan to impress everyone.
“Good morning, Damien.” He doesn’t look up when I greet him. He’s texting someone. I stand right where I am until he finally looks up at me. His eyes look bloodshot. Instantly, I realize something is wrong. “Are you okay?” We aren’t close. We aren’t friends. I know that look, though. Something bad has happened. Shit is about to hit the fan in a big way.
“I have to go,” Damien says. He jumps to his feet. He’s supposed to train me today. I know this. He’s not leaving for two weeks, right?
“Wait,” I step forward. “What’s wrong?”
