Page 61 of Harbinger

Finally, he lets everyone know that food will be served and that people can get up as they wish, and that after bidding is closed, everything will be taken to the back, and the winners announced. After that, there will be a ball.

The second he’s done speaking, half the room gets up and files over to the different pieces, pretending to be interested. They’re not stupid. They know there are people here watching.

People like Jeremy.

Sydney grabs her wine glass, taking a long sip as she looks down at the table. I watch as Jeremy’s eyes zero in on her ring, his eyes flashing to mine before he chuckles, throwing his napkin down and following a guest over to the gallery wall.

“I don’t know what to do; why is he here?” Sydney asks me.

I watch him as he walks, my hand still holding one of hers under the table. “I’ve never seen him here before, but there’s usually a couple of FBI agents around.”

“Why don’t they just shut the whole thing down?” she asks innocently.

“You’d be surprised how many people and entities benefit from something like this, Princess.”

She scowls for a second before her face evens out, and the white of her teeth peeks out, biting her lip.

“So what’s our plan?”

“We act like we’ve been acting. Everything is normal. Nothing is out of place. We keep up the charade we have. It doesn’t have to be complicated.”

“But what if he wants to speak to me?”

“Then I trust that you would know what to do,”

She nods, her breathing uneven as she sucks in a lungful of air.

“Are you okay?”

She nods, looking away from me. “I think I just need to go to the bathroom quick. Splash some water on my face.”

“Do you want me to take you?’

She shakes her head, standing up. Her legs shake slightly, and I steady her before she darts off in the direction of the bathrooms.

Not knowing what to do but seeing everyone chatting amongst each other at the gallery wall, I head over, my hands in my pocket as I pretend to be interested in the art.

“So I assume you know about the company,” comes a voice behind me, a large hand landing on my shoulder. I look over, seeing Jeffrey next to me. He smells like cigars.

I nod. “I know enough.”

“You know you guys can’t take over, right?”

“Who said we want to take over?”

The man takes a sip of what smells like scotch, refusing to look at me. “Everyone wants a part of us, boy. It’s better to be honest about it right now.”

“Respectfully, I don’t know what you’re saying.”

Casting me a sideways glance, Jeffrey chuckles, downing the rest of his drink before walking away. He’s only a couple feet away before he turns to look at me from over his shoulder. “She’s more trouble than she’s worth, boy. Be careful where you tread.”

Anger fills my body, threatening to explode. How someone could talk about anyone like that, I’m not sure.

Stewing, I chew on my lip as I head in Sydney’s direction. Turning the corner toward the bathrooms, I practically run into her, placing my hands on her hips to steady her.

Her eyes are slightly red, wild, and sad. I’m not sure what’s happening, but I just want to make it better.

I open my mouth to say something, but instead, she wraps her arms around my neck, bringing my lips to hers.

---