He nods. But before he turns away, a look passes over his eyes—one that makes my hands clenchwith rage. “I’ll be seeing you, Joy,” he murmurs.
His voice makes me shiver. I turn away, swallowing back the “No, you won’t” I want so badly toleave with him.
If I stop or slow down—well, I can’t. I can’t stop. I can’t slow down. Leaving takes momentum, plainand simple. Forward motion. Me striding away, picking up Chowder, leaving. Not looking back, evenas I can feel his eyes on me all the while.
Joy leaving is unfortunate. But not dire.
“Boss?” It’s Ludmil, coming out on the steps to join me.
I smile. “Ah, there you are.”
“Do you want me to …” With two fingers, he indicates walking legs in the direction Joy went.
I shake my head. “Won’t be necessary.”
“She’ll be back
