The interrogation leaves me drained.
I lean against Penelope as we exit the building, grateful for her steady presence. Bright sunlight hits my face, warm and comforting despite the autumn chill.
"Don't look back," Penelope mutters, her voice low. "McSexy's following us."
I tense, my heart rate spiking. "How do you know?"
She lets out an exasperated sigh. "Do you ever pay attention to your surroundings?"
Before I can retort, a strange figure steps in front of us. A man, holding a silver reflective umbrella despite the cloudless sky, stares directly at Penelope. He's mildly attractive, pale, and dressed in SED uniform—right up her alley.
"Why are you leaving already?" he asks, his voice smooth and tinged with curiosity.
I glance at my best friend, noticing her startled expression. There's a flicker of recognition in her eyes. I'm burning with curiosity.
