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Luke: Do it. And know, Sparkplug, I’m with you every step of the way. I just hate the fact Damien got to you again, and I didn’t do a damn thing.
Even though he came running as soon as he heard my scream, he was still beating himself all because that of that crazy psycho.
Sera: How were you supposed to know he’d creep into the restroom?
Luke: I’ve been thinking about that. How did he get into the ladies room without us spotting him?
Luke: Yes, we were engrossed in our conversation, but I’m sure I would’ve seen him walking across the restaurant. Not to mention fire doors don’t open from the outside. Which means he either snuck in without us spotting him… or he was waiting for us.
Sera: But how would he know we were going to be there?
I had wondered the same thing, too. I hadn’t told anyone about our plans for one because I didn’t know anyone here and the people, I knew I wasn’t talking to at the moment.
Luke: That’s the million-dollar question. I’ve got a theory. In the meantime, lose yourself in your work. You’re safe here. You can disappear into the empathetic algorithm project. Save my company, Sparkplug.
Despite everything, warmth flutters through me. He knows exactly the right thing to say.
Sera: Okay, Luke. Should I arrange a call with Graham and Ellie?
Luke: That’s your choice, angel. I’ll support you no matter what.
I open my phone, looking at the text thread from Ellie. She’s asked to talk several times. As I look at the messages, my phone lights up again. A call from Ellie.
I quickly answer it, not giving myself time to come to my senses.
“Yeah?” I say.
“Sera,” she whispers, voice trembling.
“Don’t break down,” I snap. “Don’t cry. It’s not fair. You know I cared about you.”
“C-cared, past tense?” She stutters.
“Just…” I grind my teeth. “Don’t break down, okay?”
She sniffles but keeps it together. “Okay, I won’t. Are you safe?”
“I had to tear a chunk of Damien’s hair out of his head earlier, but other than that, I’m fine and dandy.”
“What?” She gasps.
“Yep,” I reply dryly, even though it hurts to hear her voice.
“What happened?”
“You and Graham sent a lunatic after me, knowing full well he was dangerous and would go to terrible lengths to get what he wants. That’s what happened.”
“I was so scared,” she whispers. “My sweet girl, I was terrified. If I could turn back time, I’d do it all different.”
“We don’t have that luxury.”
“But you’re safe?”
“I’m with Luke. I’m working with him, trying to undo the mess Graham made of his code, trying to fix the mess he created. You know, if Luke wanted, he could send Graham to prison for a very long time.”
Ellie sighs. “Luke will have to decide himself.”
“Aren’t you going to defend your husband?”