Page 56 of Seeking Shadows

Olga crosses her arms, the picture of indifference. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You ordered my favorite dish." I sit at the table, eyes locked on the food like it’s a divine offering. "That means you like me."

She lets out a long sigh, as if bracing herself for something. "It means you eat poorly when no one forces you to, and someone has to keep you from dying of malnutrition."

"Or... it means you care about me." I spoon some soup into my mouth, eyes closing in bliss. "Mmm, this is really good, Olga. Did you make it?"

She frowns, a little offended. "I don’t cook."

"So, you had it specially made for me?"

"It’s my job to make sure the house runs."

"So... you wanted me to eat something good because you like me."

Olga stares at me for a long moment, then looks toward the door, probably wondering how fast she could walk out of the room.

"Interpret as you wish."

"That was a 'yes.'"

"That was 'eat before I change my mind.'"

I smile, satisfied, and continue eating. "Thank you, Olga. You’re so cute, you know that?"

She rolls her eyes. "If you say that again, I’ll make you eat broccoli for dinner."

I grimace. She turns to leave, but I swear I catch the hint of a giggle as she goes. I can’t help but smile at that.

I push the chair next to mine back and pat the seat twice, glancing at the security guard standing by the door, arms crossed, the usual silent sentinel.

"Sit down."

He blinks, caught off guard.

"Madam, I..."

"Mia. No 'ma'am'." I rest my elbow on the table, leaning in with a teasing grin. "You’re always so serious and quiet. Sit down. Keep me company."

He looks around, looking for some escape, but I just smile and wait. With a resigned sigh, he finally sits, clearly uncomfortable.

"So what's life like as an undercover security guard? Do you have secret meetings? Do you have codes like 'The Crow Has Landed' when I do something wrong?"

"Uh... not exactly."

"And what's your name? Should I just call you Dark Agent Number 3?"

"It's Tristan."

"Ah, Tristan! That explains everything. Youlooklike a Tristan." I nod, as if this explains the universe. "Did you know that bears like to sit in the same spot when they’re in captivity? Like, it’s instinctive? You always stay in the same corner too."

He looks at me like I’m speaking another language.

"I’m not a bear."

"Exactly what a bear in disguise would say."

“Okay,” he mutters, unsure whether to laugh or run away. I smile, pleased with myself. Then I push some food away, trying to shift the conversation. "You like Mexican food, right? Olga’s the best with this stuff."

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