15
He stared out the window with his back to the door. He was making plans in his head, but listening. Always listening. He learned long ago to be aware of his surroundings. When he wasn’t, he got hurt.
Getting hurt wasn’t an option anymore. He was a man now. The sniveling child he once was died a fiery death. In that child’s place was a man everyone respected.
“Are you ready to go?” the woman asked from behind him.
He heard her coming. He knew what she was going to ask. He nodded. “Yes, I’ll be right there.”
“Is there anything I can do for you before I go?”
“No, but thank you. Just reflecting.”
“Okay. I’ll see you later.”
“Enjoy.”
Her soft steps faded away on the carpeted floor. He waited, ensuring he was alone before he retrieved the keys from his desk.
A blue lanyard was coile
