chapter 21

Huxley

The elevator doors open, and Mack and I step out into the spacious room. Jamie has stayed down with Elizabeth.

I catch a glimpse of tiled floors, large pillars, big fans, and a waiting area with seats. Then all I can focus on are the huge panes of glass, looking out at the cloudless blue sky.

“You okay?” Mack asks. “You’ve lost all color in your face.”

“I might need the bathroom.”

“Over here.” He steers me toward the Gents’. I push open the door, go into one of the cubicles, and promptly vomit up the contents of my stomach into the toilet.

“Ah, Jesus.” I wait to make sure I’m done, then flush it and go out.

Mack’s leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets. He watches as I wash my hands and splash my face with cold water. I wait for him to sayYou don’t have to do this, Hux.

He doesn’t. When I eventually straighten and take a couple of paper towels, he smiles and hands me a mint from the box in his pocket, then says, “You ready now?”

I toss the paper towels in the bin, pop t