Page 74 of Accidentally Joining His Cult

From there, they drive me straight to the airport and escort me inside to the ticket desk, where they watch me buy a ticket to Chicago on a flight that leaves in a few hours. It feels archaic to buy a plane ticket in person, but I don’t complain.

Once I’m through the small security line, I watch them finally turn to leave, and I immediately pull out my phone to purchase Cody a ticket for my flight as well.

I really fucking hope that he heard my call. It had ended by the time we were in the car, but I’m praying to anything that will listen that he heard enough to know what’s happening and that he can get here in time for the flight.

I’m definitely not leaving without him.

CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT

Cody

As soon as I heard Beck say he had my collateral and was leaving, I hung up the call, erased the call history, and ran to plug my phone into the charging station that sits on a side table far enough away from my desk that I can’t reach it. I sit back down just as I hear the knock on my door.

“Come in,” I answer, and I’m pleasantly surprised by how normal my voice sounds. “Oh, hey, Viktor. I was expecting Beck after your meeting.”

Viktor comes in and sits down across from me. I see his gaze catch on my phone so far away from me, and he sits up straighter in his seat. “Cody, I’m so sorry to have to be the one to tell you this, but Beckett is gone.” He manages to sound remorseful.I hate how fucking manipulative he is.

“During our meeting, he threatened me. He said he was going to take everything he’s learned about Kyla during his stay, use the information in his own company, and try to shut us down unless I agreed to sell to him. When I refused, he started yelling and became aggressive. I’m so sorry, Cody,” he continues. “I know you really liked him, but I had to have him escorted out, and I’ve got the security guys following him back to your house to make sure he doesn’t steal anything. Then, they’ll take him straight to the airport.”

I nod along, trying to look sad and confused, as I think about when I can sneak away to the airport myself.

“Wow,” I mutter, trying not to look excited that we can finally leave.

“I know this must be shocking for you. I can show you the footage from outside of my office if you’d like,” he offers.

I don’t want to draw this out any longer than necessary, so I try to think of how he’d want me to respond. “You don’t need to go through the trouble,” I say softly. “I mean, I obviously trust you, Viktor, so I’m not questioning you. I’m just so surprised he’d have these ulterior motives,” I explain.

Viktor straightens in his chair again, looking a bit smug. “It’s my fault. I never should’ve allowed someone like that to be around you for so long,” he tells me. “Cody, you’re so important to me, and I’m so lucky to have you here. I should have protected you more, I apologize,” he says, and I nod along, hoping he’ll leave.

After a moment without him moving I decide to keep talking. “So, you said he’ll be gone when I get home?” I question.

“Yes, I promise you won’t have to see him again,” he says. “He should be on the way to the airport any minute.”

“Alright, thank you so much, Viktor,” I say, then decide to push my luck. “Do you think I could maybe skip the Old Mill tonight? I’m kind of embarrassed about how easily I was manipulated,” I say, attempting to sound reluctant, like I’m admitting a hard truth. “I think I need some time to figure out where I went wrong.”

“Of course, Cody. I’ll tell them you weren’t feeling well after work if anyone asks,” he promises.

After work, because, obviously, I’ll stay to keep working.What an asshole.

“Thank you, Viktor. Will you be at tomorrow morning's quarterly recruitment report?” I ask. Trying to keep the conversation casual.

“Yes, I can’t wait to hear how well your team has been doing,” he replies, and I smile at him.

“See you then, Viktor.”

“See you then,” he echoes, standing and finally leaving my office.

I wait a few more agonizingly long minutes, just in case he’s watching the cameras, and finally try to make it look like I’m casually retrieving my phone. I open it up, and I’ve never been happier to see a text.

Salem

Let’s get the fuck out of here!

Attached is a screenshot confirming a plane ticket in my name for a flight to Chicago leaving at eight p.m.

I sit at my desk for another hour, uploading as many final things as I possibly can to the shared cloud. When it’s finally almost seven—around when I’d usually head to the Old Mill—I go down to my car, waving goodnight to the security guards as I pass.

I don’t bother to go to my house, I don’t need anything there.

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