who ran the place, a sharp-eyed woman named Mrs. Gable, was visibly impressed by Finley's status as a Columbia
loved the narrative sweep of history, found her rhythm quickly. She wasn't just reciting dates; she was tellin
ttle and scrolling through her phone. A few spam texts had come in-one offering
ted the other unfamiliar numbers, and hit "Block and
ew texts from him. In her quick, irritated sweep, his number, saved just the day before, was just ano
back to her lesson plan, completely unaware that sh
looking the Pacific Ocean, Garrison Strickland was not paying attention
mple message t
rst day is
n. But the message status benea
nt. Delive
probably. He exited the messa
aight to a cold, automated voice. The
g in the air,
oc
been
wered the phone, his knuckles white as he gripped it. Marri
s cousin's demeanor. The air around Garrison had dro
angerously quiet. "My
read across his face. He stifled a laugh, which qu
sharp spike of fear. She was in trouble. Dozier. Her
said to the room, his voice a low command. He walked out onto the adjoining
's phone. Now. And have our team check the security
right Minds" building. The street cam footage, grainy but clear, showed her through the front win
n't in
e had blocked
g: confusion. Why? Had she found something out? Impossible. His tracks were covered. Was it becaus
the situation, was intolerable. He, a man who could move markets wi
f it all crashing down on him. He cou
on. One deeply, profoun
h. He pitched his voice to sound like "Gary
quest, but I seem to have... misplaced Finley's number. My ph
nce on the other end. "Of
knew by heart. He hung up, his jaw tight wit
ur phone. A number s
rying to keep a
ard when her phone buzzed. A m
It seems I'm blocked.
oze. Gary
oc
ran cold
went to her block list. There, nestled betwee
eleted he
felt like the world's biggest idiot. She quickl
thought you were a spam call! I was cleani
He read it, and the tight knot of anger and confusion in his chest loos
back and replied f
you weren't trying to g
asing in the words, the playful undertone, made her cheeks
flustered and embarrasse
ame that made all the wa
zi
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