Page 13 of Toxic Salvation
Murphy’s eyebrows climb toward her hairline. “Bullies?”
“Nothing serious,” Vesper continues smoothly. “Just some boys picking on him. We came in to speak with Dean Thomas about it.”
Before Murphy can respond, footsteps echo down the hallway. Luka appears around the corner, his face lighting up when he sees Vesper. He breaks into a run, throwing himself at her like she’s a life preserver.
“Vesper! You stayed! I thought Uncle Kovan might kick you out again.”
My stomach drops into my fucking shoes.
Vesper’s smile doesn’t waver, but I see her knuckles go white where she’s gripping Luka’s shoulders. “Luka, sweetie, that’s not fair to your uncle.”
“But Vesper?—”
“Hey!” Her voice gets brighter, more manic. “How about we plan that trip to the science museum this weekend? Just you and me?”
Luka’s eyes widen with excitement, but Murphy isn’t buying the distraction. Her sharp gaze cuts between Vesper and me, back and forth, again and again.
She is not so easily distracted.
“Luka,” Murphy says, crouching down to his eye level, “what did you mean when you said your uncle kicked Vesper out?”
Luka freezes, his face cycling through confusion before recognition dawns. “You’re the social worker lady. The one who decides where I live.”
“That’s right.” Murphy’s smile is thin. “And I need to make sure you’re being taken care of properly.”
For the first time since this nightmare started, Luka looks to me for help. His chin wobbles, and I can see the fear creeping into his eyes. “But the judge said I could stay with Uncle Kovan. He’s not changing his mind, is he?”
Eliza startles, looking alarmed and at a loss for words. “No, no, nothing of the sort. I just need to check on you sometimes. That’s part of the arrangement.”
“You have an appointment with Dean Thomas?” Vesper interjects smoothly.
“I prefer unannounced visits,” Murphy replies, her eyes never leaving Vesper’s face. “They give me a more accurate picture of the situation.”
I haven’t said a damn word. I can feel everything I’ve fought for hanging in the balance, dependent on whatever comes out of Vesper’s mouth next.
“Of course,” Vesper says. “That makes perfect sense.”
Murphy nods slowly. “Since I’ve run into all of you here, perhaps we should talk. It seems there have been some changes since our last meeting. Changes that should have been reported to the court, Mr. Krayev.”
I clear my throat and finally speak up. “Nothing has changed, Ms. Murphy.”
“But Luka just said?—”
I see Vesper squeeze Luka’s arm, her eyes widening as they meet his. He nods once, understanding passing between them.
“Luka likes to repeat things he hears,” Vesper explains, stepping closer to me. “And I was being dramatic earlier. We had to move out temporarily for renovations, and I wasn’t happy about it. You know how it is—I was complaining.”
She slips under my arm like we’ve done this a thousand times before. Her hand comes to rest on my chest, and I have to forcemyself not to react to the proximity. Her touch burns through my shirt like it’s on fire.
Murphy doesn’t look convinced. “I’m not sure I understand… The two of you haven’t broken up?”
Vesper laughs hysterically. “Broken up? Of course not! We’re very much together.”
Murphy turns to Luka, whose poker face is nonexistent. I can see him struggling to keep up with the conversation, though he’s trying his hardest.
“Luka, honey,” Vesper says quickly, “why don’t you go get your things from your locker? We’ll meet you there in a few minutes.”
Luka nods and disappears down the hallway, leaving the three of us in uncomfortable silence.
