Page 117 of Flirtasaurus

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“Ooooooh.” Mabel shudders.

“Excuse me, Miss McGonigle?”

“Ooooh.” Mabel shudders again.

“Miss McGonigle, this is no time to be titillated.”

“Oh, I’m not titillated. I’m terrified. You terrify me.”

“You’re not the first. Did you or did you not have relations with Mr. Anderson on the Museum of Natural Science’s property?”

“Define… relations.” Mabel says, bolder than I’ve ever seen her.

“Miss McGonigle…” Dr. Knowles warns.

“No, no I did not. Ralph is just the kindest, sweetest, gentlest… and he doesn’t deserve to be… andHunger Gamesis one of my favorite. THIS IS JUST SO SAD!!!”

Mabel devolves into a mess of tears.

“Well.” Dr. Abrams takes over again. “If no one will come forward and Mr. Anderson refuses to name his accomplice, there is nothing more to be done here. Ralph, your termination is effective immediately. Please go gather your things. I’ll arrange for the museum to send you your official paperwork in the morning. Best of luck in your future.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He thanks him. Ralph actuallythankshim.

Then he simply turns and walks out.

My eyes track him, assuming he’ll look back at me one more time, but he doesn’t. He keeps his eyes straight ahead and lets the exhibit hall door close behind him with the softest click.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Bzzzz.

No answer.

I try again.

Bzzzz.

No answer.

He’s gotta be home, right? Where else would he be right now?

I’m standing outside Ralph’s apartment building. I’ve been buzzing his intercom for I don’t know how many minutes to no avail. He’s not answering my texts either. I called him immediately after the gala meeting turned pornographic town hall from hell, but it went straight to voicemail.

Where is he?

I try one more time and really lean into it this time.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

“What?” he finally responds, and he doesn’t quite sound like himself.

“Hi! It’s me. I think your buzzer is having issues.”

Silence.

“Let me up?”

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