Page 87 of The Divide that Binds Us

“That’s right.You did,” he agrees with a firm nod.“And because you’re such an imbecile, you’ve managed to achieve nothing but heartache and pain.If you have information on the situation at hand with the world, then it needs to be reported to the monarchs and Guards.Let them handle Alice if she is indeed the culprit, otherwise you’ll get us in more trouble.”

My arm hairs rise in guilty anticipation.Despite the cool, dry air, my face is scorching as my inadequacy as a Commander haunts me.

Cedric’s dark eyes bore through my confidence, but silence is my only chance out without spiraling into a pit of despair.

“H-How else can I fix this, sir?”

“Issue an apology to Elite and leave them alone.Iwillrip your throat out and do the same to every member involved in your shenanigans.”He clears his throat.“As for Mildred, that’s your own problem you need to figure out.Hopefully, she doesn’t crush your skull for being an ass-kissing idiot.”

A drop of sweat slides down my face.I stand up, sauntering out of the room, but I’m wobbly and...terrified.

My phone rings as I leave without a second glance, so I answer the unknown number.

“Rio Shackler.It’s Mildred.”

My legs seize up mid-step as I turn down the hall toward my office.I quickly touch the wall to break my fall.Lead piles in my blood, forcing me to drag my body along.Lynn finally leaves the cafeteria, so I signal her to follow me while I’m on the phone.

“Hi there.How can I help you?”I ask Mildred.We make it to my office, and I close the door while Lynn sets her violin down and sits in the egg pod chair, patiently.

“Rio, I hate to be a bother, but I’m in a bit of a pickle.”Mildred’s voice echoes in the background.“I have a few operating locations separate from the King’s estate.I’m afraid some Elite members have trespassed on one and started a fire before fleeing.”

I pull the phone away and put Mildred on speaker.

“I’m sorry, but did you say Elite came to one of your locations, started a fire, and ran away?”I ask.Lynn gets up and stands by me.

“Yes, and I’ve brought up my heartbreak with Master Azul, but she doesn’t seem receptive.Can you chat with Master Cedric about this, please?”

“I don’t think it’s best practice for Ultima to involve ourselves with this kind of situation.I’m terribly sorry.”

Silence lulls through the phone, electrifying the air.

“That’s unfortunate, Mr.Shackler.”Her tone shifts.“Anyway, I have this medical file from the hospital regarding Ethan Wu.Do you know who that is?”

Lynn gasps and covers her mouth.She shakes her head and backs into the wall, slowly reaching for her violin case.

“Um, can’t say that I do?”I reply.

“This man is on his last thread of life, so I may bless him with a visit to see how he’s doing,” Mildred drawls.The smile carries in her strident voice.“His time is certainly limited yet unknown, but I can’t imagine it’s for much longer.You understand, right?”

I want to throw this phone against the wall.My anger fumes in my feet.The office lights flicker along with my cell’s touch screen, so I take a few deep breaths.

“Mildred, I believe this conversation has become inappropriate for me to continue.Please provide clarification or I’m ending this call,” I demand.

“It seems my path creates a trail for followers; I worry for my safety and those around me as Elite continues their pursuit,” Mildred explains, no longer sending static feedback.It sounds like she’s outside now.“Who knows, maybe Elite is watching me now as I visit Ethan Wu.”

“Do it,” Lynn whispers.“Offer to help.”

“Advisor Mildred, I have to stop by Elite anyway, so I’ll try to inquire as a helpful source,” I begrudgingly reply.

Mildred laughs with a slight, deep squeal.“Perrrfect!Great things make the heart burst with joy, Rio.Talk soon.”Click.

“Dammit,” I grumble, gripping my phone and searching for viable places to launch it.Lynn straps her case on her back, her face shifting from frightened to stoic.She blinks rapidly with a slight tremor in her hand.When she meets my steady gaze, I frown.“This is not good for us, Lynn.We just got a deficiency for messing around too much.”

I can’t believe just mere moments after Cedric’s threat, Mildred decides to call and top his threat with her own threat.What’s worse now is Lynn is involved.

She crosses her arms as we leave my office.“I am coming with you.Are you going later?”

“Yeah, later tonight.”

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