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Today, for the first time, I have to use that position against the man who created it.

Created me.

The very thought leaves a vile taste in my mouth that no amount of coffee will ever touch.

He knows I told Alice that Christopher is landing next weekend, and there’s no way I’m going to get away with it. Not without a confrontation.

It’s three fifteen when Bill’s email finally arrives.

Pop in when you can.

Time to face the interrogation. I close my report and get to my feet, hating the fact my legs are bastard trembling. Bill’s office is only at the end of the corridor but today it feels miles away.

Caroline looks up at me as I pass by.

“You alright, Bryce?”

“Absolutely. Just nipping in to see Bill.”

Why did she ask? I must look like a terrified ghost.

Fuck sake.

I try to smile. Shoulders loose. Don’t check those bastard cufflinks.

Bill is reading behind his desk when I arrive. He holds up a finger and finishes the page before acknowledging me.

Deliberate, of course. Bill does nothing accidentally.

“Busy morning?” he asks.

“Very.”

“I noticed. I’ve hardly seen a peep of you.”

He gestures towards the chair. I sit with my hands resting on my knees, resisting the urge to touch my cuffs.

“How was your weekend?” he asks.

“Quiet, mainly.”

His gaze latches on to mine.

“You’ve seemed distracted lately, Bryce. Somewhat distant.”

Poker face. Poker face. Poker face.

“I’ve been trying to use my time a little differently,” I tell him.

“Differently?”

“To separate things out a bit. Make some changes.”

His eyebrows crease. “That doesn’t sound like you.”

I give him a faint smile. “I know. Perhaps that’s always been part of the problem. Me.”

He waits, leaving the silence open until I fill it.