Blood Games - Episode 9

 

KRIS GAVE ME A tight smile when she arrived at the main entrance of the office building. Her dark hair had been twisted into a bun, and she’d changed clothes since I’d last seen her. Earlier in the day she’d been wearing a suit, she now wore slacks and a white blouse. As she twisted the lock to open the door, I expected to receive a lecture or at least an admonition of some sort.

“Glad you came to your senses.” The smile didn’t touch her eyes, and her voice was cold, like she wanted to say something more but was refraining from doing so. I was glad to avoid the chastisement.

She had to come down from her office to let me in because it was after hours. As the glass door locked into place, I looked at the city. The firelight was visible in between buildings and the night sky was lit up to the point it looked like dawn, though it wasn’t yet midnight.

“You’re my only option to stop this.” I shrugged. At another time and place, I might not have said that, but I was tired and frustrated. If she misinterpreted my words to think I was either desperate or vulnerable, she’d soon learn the truth.

I was neither and was prepared to leave at the first sign this wasn’t working. Or if it became apparent Maxine’s intentions were like that of Reed and Peck.

Kris shook her head. “If I ever find out you had anything--” She stopped when she saw my glare.

“You know better than that,” I said pointedly, pushing past her and into the lobby. I was tired of people being taken in by those videos. If I were ever arrested and put on trial--something that became more likely the longer I stayed in the city--I wouldn’t have a prayer.