Page 30 of Torin

“I know who he is.”

From Torin’s expression, that’s not a recommendation.

“He said it was for my protection.” I hear Dad’s voice as clearly as if he’s sitting beside me. “I’d be safe at East Ridge. Cade would take care of me. I wouldn’t have to worry about any of this anymore.”

Torin’s face has become frighteningly blank.

“But you knew why he was doing it,” he says.

“Oh, yeah.”

Silence stretches between us.

I look down at my coffee.

“I have copies of everything I found. That’s what’s in the backpack.”

Torin glances toward it. “What are you going to do with it?”

“Publish it.”

That answer, at least, is easy.

“I don’t know how yet. My father has spent years making inconvenient things disappear, so sending it to the wrong person could make everything worse. But I’m not letting him bury it.”

Torin nods slowly. “Good.”

I look at him.

“Good?”

“Yeah.”

“You don’t think I’m insane?”

“No.”

“You’ve known me for less than a day.”

“Long enough to know you risked a hell of a lot to get that evidence out.”

I stare at him.

Torin picks up his coffee. “Seems like you already made your decision.”

I’m so used to being told I’m reckless, naïve or in over my head that his simple confidence in me takes a moment to sink in.

My throat tightens unexpectedly. I take a drink of coffee to cover it.

Torin’s quiet for a moment, then he says, “So what’s next?”

“I stay here for a while. Work out who I can trust with the files.”

“And your father?”

“He’ll be looking for me.”

His expression changes.