Page 137 of Silver Elite

“Someone told me I should talk to her,” I add.

“What about?” She’s very careful with her tone. It’s evident she doesn’t trust anyone. As she shouldn’t.

“Job opportunities.”

“All job assignments are provided by the Company,” she says, as if reciting from a handbook.

“Well aware of that,” I reply, donning a droll expression. “I already have an assignment. I’m looking for something off the books.” I bite my lip. “Very off the books.”

“Is it really your birthday?”

I nod.

“Funny thing to be doing on your birthday. Hunting for side gigs.”

“Not really. What else am I going to do? I don’t have any family. Don’t have enough friends to justify applying for a gathering permit. I had a boyfriend, but he broke up with me last week, so…here I am.” I take another sip of the most delicious liquid known to humanity.

She continues to study me. Her expression might as well be a concrete wall, that’s how little it tells me.

“It’s fine. Forget it.” With the slight sag of my shoulders, I face the room again.

I sense her walking away. Hear her throaty voice addressing another customer.

Nursing my whiskey, I pretend to be lost in thought. Time passes.Five minutes. Ten. Fifteen. My earpiece is recording everything, but Ford doesn’t check in. Cross is nowhere to be found.

I’m debating whether I should just give up and return to the drop-off zone when another woman walks behind the bar. She has long hair and pouty lips, and is wearing denim that hugs her backside and a small top that barely covers her breasts. I can’t quite gauge her age. Late twenties maybe, but she moves with an air of authority that makes her appear older.

The bartender whispers to her, nodding toward me.

My pulse speeds up when the newcomer walks around the bar to stand beside me. Suspicious brown eyes probe my face.

“Heard you were looking for me.”

I fidget with the thin strap of my purse. “Are you Shenise?”

She nods. “What’s your name?”

“Gilly.”

“Do you live in the Point, Gilly?”

“I do. I was transferred from G about a month ago. I work in Administration.”

“Pasha says you’re looking for work.” She purses her lips. “Why did you come to Haven for that? What gave you the idea we might accept workers who aren’t assigned to us by the Company?”

“A friend of mine told me to find you if I needed anything.”

Shenise doesn’t let up. “What friend?”

I chew on the inside of my cheek, conveying reluctance. “I, um…I don’t want to betray her confidence.”

“Then I’m afraid we don’t have anything to say to each other, Gilly. Perhaps you should look elsewhere for—” She stops midsentence, focusing on the door.

I follow her gaze, and my breath lodges in my throat.

Cross just walked in.

Chapter 31

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