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The car can’t get there fast enough. It’s late, but not too late, and he once told me he works into the night often. I’m here to fix this. But my fight doesn’t start where I thought it would. It’s the future I want, not the semi-present. No more distance because other people say so. If I have to find a med school in Boston, I will. I can talk anyone into anything, but I’m finally ready to fucking claim all I deserve. There’s nothing and no one who can stop me from getting to him. I’ll go to his house if he’s not at the office. This all needs to start with him.

I storm into the building. “Hello, I know that it’s late, but I need to see Mr. Ladd. It’s a matter of life and death, and I will be family someday.”

“Ma’am, I can’t let you up. And you’re not the first to claim to be the next Mrs. Ladd.”

I grin at him and chuff at his joke. I square my shoulders and look him straight in the eye. “If I sneak up there, what kind of time am I looking at? Is it a fine or an arrest? I used to be able to pick a lock in under twenty seconds.”

The beefy guy stands and leans over the counter. “You’ll get thrown out of here.” He pauses, then arches an eyebrow. “What kind of lock? I used to be pretty good at that too.”

“Well, criminals make the best cops. I’m going to be a doctor, but you get it.” He stands up straight, and I lean over the counter.

“Ok—”

I put my hand out to shake his. “Makenzie Preston.”

“Ok, Makenzie Preston, I’ll make you a deal. Give me your ID. You pick a lock in under thirty seconds, and I’ll let you up with the promise that you’re not here to kill anyone.”

I open my jacket wide, then hand him my wallet. “Call whoever you want on me. Not gonna kill a soul.”

“Choose your lock picking equipment?”

I open my hand and show him the unmarked key card and paperclip. I palmed them when I leaned over the counter.

“Nice work. Come here.” I follow him down the hallway to the stairwell door. It’s a one-way lock, and I only have to pull a couple of pins. Fucking child’s play, but I need an insurance policy.

I get behind him, slap him on the back and lift what I need. “Thanks so much for the opportunity to hone my skills.” He laughs and backs up, giving me room to work.

I unfold the paperclip and double it up. I put it in and bang with my hip while lifting the handle and turning the paperclip. The door pops, and I open it.

“Ten seconds. That was fucking impressive, but this was all for my amusement. I can’t let you up without security clearance and it’s too late to call up. There’s a strict do not disturb going on.”

My eyes brim with tears in a virtuoso performance on my part. “Doug, I do understand. If anyone asks and if my opinion matters, I’ll give you accolades. I’ll come back tomorrow morning.”

“I’ll put a note in the log, so they help you out first thing.”

I put my hand on his arm and squeeze. “Thank you. Is there a bathroom I could use?”

“Sure.” Look, I’m not proud of the skills, but I have them, and the end justifies the means. I’ll make sure this guy gets a raise if the Ladds ever talk to me again. But he’s about to get fucked.

He points to a hallway, settling back behind the desk. I walk slowly, and he watches for a moment. I push the button without looking and duck down the hallway out of his sightline. I wait against the wall for the ding. I can’t quite see it, but I know I’ll only have a moment when I hear it. My palms are sweaty, but my brain and blood are buzzing.

I whisper to myself to calm myself down and to hype myself up, “To adventure.”

There’s a ding, and the door slides open. I dart into the elevator quick as a cat. Doug realizes what’s happening. I wave as the door slides closed. I know his office is on the 50th floor, and I use Doug’s key card to get the elevator to move.

I look at the security camera and mouth the words, “I’m sorry.” Then I do that heart thing with my fingers over my chest. My breathing is erratic, as is my heartbeat. It’s kind of a bad girl rush, not gonna lie. I’m doing this, and I feel sorry for him because I’m busting in with no more fucks to give and fight roaring through my veins.

The elevator opens, and there are people scattered around. Before they look at me, I grab a folder off an empty reception desk. I’m in my dress from graduation, and I’m sure I look tired, so I fit right in with this crowd. It’s 7:00 p.m., and I walk over to a small group.

I wave the folder and say, “Excuse me, I have to ask Mr. Ladd a quick thing for my boss down on twelve. Could someone point me towards his office?”

Without even acknowledging me, they point down the hall, and someone dismissively says, “In the back corner, his assistant will be able to help you out.” I wave to them and make my way down the hall trying to stop my hands from shaking. The assistant is missing, and I’m overjoyed.

I knock, and a deep but tired-sounding voice yells, “Come in.” I slowly turn the doorknob and slip in the door. I steady my nerves and knees. He looks up.

“Is that for me?”

“No, sir.” I put down the folder. “Do you remember me?”