A Step Too Close

CHARLOTTE

“Hi, Ms. Edwards,” Mr. Berkley muttered, as I stepped out of the vehicle. He was dressed entirely in black, and I realized I hadn’t paid enough attention to notice his outfit when we met at the office. He was waiting in the parking lot, and he started to take off his coat when he noticed my sleeveless top.

It was warm when we left, so I didn’t think about bringing a jacket. But now, the weather seemed to mirror the turbulence in my mind as the winds picked up. I rubbed my palms together and stood beside him, resisting the urge to turn around and look at the car. I could feel Sonia’s gaze burning a hole in my back through the passenger window, and I chuckled lightly.

“I see you ditched the convoy,” he said, wrapping the coat around me.

“Thank you,” I uttered, nodding. “Getting her to leave the other guards was easier than I expected, but she’s not thrilled about being here again,” I added as we started walking off the premises.

“You don’t seem thrilled to be here either,” he