Page 56 of (Not So) Mad About You

“No,” Bea said. “But—”

Luke was already moving away from her. That was apparently all he’d needed. He was clapping his hands so that everyone turned to him, so that everyone was paying attention to him.

“I do want to apologize for the chaos this morning,” he said with a wry smile. “I assure you, it’s not at all what we expect from this program. As I’m sure you’ve heard already, one of our staff has left. Daria has had a family emergency and will no longer be participating in this session of the program.”

There was some mumbling at this, and Bea didn’t dare turn to catch Alli’s eye. A made up family emergency wasn’t going to fool anyone.

“And then there’s Charles. I’m aware that a few of you sawhis… outburst this morning. Let me once again assure you that this is not normal for the program. Though, as I’m sure you can imagine, some of our programmers do respond better to treatment than others do.”

“Where is he?”

Bea did turn now because the voice was Alli’s.

“I’m sorry?” Luke said.

“Where’s Charles?” Her eyes were flinty, her tone cold as ice.

“I’m afraid that Charles will be leaving us. Has, in fact, already left us,” Luke said.

“In that case, I want out as well,” said Alli firmly.

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible, not if you want to complete the program.”

“Did Charles get a little graduation certificate?” demanded Alli.

And it was clear from the rising flush on Luke’s face that Charles had, in fact, been given the precious certificate.

“That’s bullshit, it’s all bullshit,” spat Alli.

She was drawing herself up now, Bea could see it. Could see the fire in her eyes, could see how truly angry she was, could see it flowing over her skin, could feel it crackling in the air. She found that she was clutching her hands together, that she was afraid of what Alli was going to do next.

“Unfortunately,” Luke began.

But Alli was having none of it.

“Unfortunately, my arse,” she said, dripping with venom. “Unfortunately, you, Mr. Smarmy, are nothing more than a shill artist, a con man, a liar, and a cheat.”

Luke blanched. “Whatever would make you say such a thing?”

“Your staff are liars and cheats. And you… how much exactly did Charles have to pay you to get out of here? Huh?”

“N-n-nothing.” Luke cowered back as Alli stalked toward him.

“Nothing? Really? Then he had something over you, did he?” Alli said, threateningly quiet. “What did he hear then? What was he told that meant he was allowed out of here?”

“Nothing,” Luke said again.

Alli rolled her eyes. “Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit. You’re an odious little man with hateful little eyes and I’m going to uncover whatever little secret it is that you have, and when I do, you’ll wish that you were dead. You’ll wish that you were anywhere other than on the same damn planet as me. Because I will make sure you suffer and you will pay for whatever—”

Josh charged through the door. “Come on, then.”

“What?” Alli said, shocked.

“You can come with me or I can carry you, your choice,” Josh said. “No inappropriate behavior in the classroom. That’s the rule.”

“But… but,” Alli began.

But Josh was already wrapping his arms around her and physically carrying her out of the room. All the anger left with her. The other programmers slumped in relief. Luke looked like he was catching his breath.

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