I could not let this pass unanswered.
Mathias always loved to present in situations like this. He hated when I had to sulk over an issue for too.
“She is still near the gate,” he said, while he waited at the walkway.
I nodded. “Good. She will not run.”
When Nicole stepped out of the front office, she carried her bag high on her shoulder and kept her face turned downward as if she hoped to avoid being noticed. Her steps were brisk. She intended to leave without even glancing around.
“Helper Nicole,” I called.
She stiffened instantly.
She turned slowly, schooling her expression into a polite smile. “Miss Adeline. I did not expect to see you today.”
Mathias stood slightly behind me. His presence was steady and calm. Nicole glanced at him, and her smile thinned.
“I would like a momen
