Page 89 of The Donor’s Dilemma

“What’s going on in Cliffhaven?” Verity asked, but the line was already dead.

She stared at the phone until the screen turned to black.

Cliffhaven.

Why would Cecilia think she was talking about Cliffhaven? Because of Abe?

No. That made no sense. She was asking about donors. Maybe Cecilia knew something about the Cliffhaven Exchange. Maybe they were struggling for healthy donors because of the Hesperian flu. Or the rebels? But Viv took Abe there.

She remembered the articles from Theo’s briefcase, newspaper clippings from the months leading up to the quarantine. Racking her brain, Verity tried to remember what they had been about but so much had happened since.

Once she was done at the cafe she’d be seeing Theo for a little office donation. She’d ask to see them again then. See if anything rang a bell. Look for any mention of donors or… protests. Was one of them about protests?

She shook her head. It would have to wait.

Taking advantage of a momentary reprieve in the rain, Verity made for the cafe. It was Kim’s first day, and it wouldn’t look great if she was late.

As usual, Theo wanted to drop her off at the cafe after taking her home, but she refused. Her parents had caught wind of the protests and were getting jumpy. Thank the gods they didn’t know more. So, she had breakfast with them, even though she’d already eaten with Theo, trying to reassure them she was safe, everything was fine.

Her mum was her usual happy self, only asking when they were going to meet her mystery man. Her dad had been less convinced, going as far as to tell Verity she didn’t need to donate, that they’d always take care of her.

It was sweet of him, but even if she and Theo weren’t… whatever they were, she still would have refused. Her dad had raised a proud daughter, and Verity was as likely to be scared off by protesters as she was to ask her parents for money. It wasn’t happening.

Puddles reflected the glowing light of the cafe as she arrived, Cora already going over the menu with her new recruit. Kim wore an apron to match Cora’s, her curly hair tied up and a look of concentration on her face, looking every bit ready for a hard night’s work.

Which was lucky, because that’s exactly what she got.

By the time the breakfast crowd eased, Kim had the hang of the till and wasn’t shy about shouting orders to Cora — after being told twice to stop sounding so polite. “Give me some backbone, woman!” Cora had yelled when she struggled to hear her from the kitchen. Turned out Kim’s backbone could be pretty loud. Watching the pair work in tandem after just a few hours was a wonderful thing.

“Let’s get a coffee,” Cora said. “We can go over the allergens and that.”

Chunky folder in hand, she led Kim from behind the counter, pausing when the bell rang, announcing a customer.

“I’ve got it,” Verity told them. “You two have a sit down.”

Cora smiled, finding a free table to chat with Kim.

Even with the unanswered questions buzzing around Verity’s head, it lightened her mood to see Cora happy. To know she had help, actual, dependable help, unlike her.

“Hey, V.”

Her attention snapped back to the person in front of her, the customer who had just walked in. He looked dreadful, the bleak pitch of his voice echoed in the crease of his brow, the way his shoulders curved in. Those rich brown eyes, forever sparkling with a hint of mischief, looked flat. Hollow.

“Adam? Hey, are you okay?” she asked, instantly cursing herself.

Cora’s head snapped at the sound of his name. Fuck! Ignoring her nosy friend, Verity gestured Adam onto a stool and moved around the counter until her back was to Cora.

“I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t be here but…”

“No,” Verity told him. “It’s fine. What’s wrong?”

He rubbed at his temple, squeezing his bloodshot eyes closed before talking.

“I just,” he mumbled. “I’m really sorry, V.” Those red eyes turned glassy and Verity reached out, taking his hand. What on earth did Adam have to be sorry about? What on earth had happened to him?

“Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s fine. Just… just take a deep breath and say it quick as you can and then it’s out,” she said, giving his hand a squeeze.

Deep breath in. Deep breath out.