Page 60 of Antagonist

“Yes, you’re close, aren’t you?”

“Very.” Bradley looks around. “I need to check in with one of the managing partners. I’ll see you around.”

Harrison nods and offers his biggest fake smile.

“Little fucker messed up my week. He only closed that case because I told my secretary to tip off his secretary. It would have been embarrassing for the company if we’d lost the case.”

I take Harrison’s hand and pull him over to the balcony.

“Where are we going?”

“Just some fresh air.”

Once we’re out of earshot, I tell him what I heard in the restroom.

“I’m one hundred percent certain Bradley is one of the guys from that conversation,” I say.

Harrison sighs. “I’m not surprised.”

“Why did you tell him about that big case?”

He laughs. “There’s no big case. But while he’s sniffing around for it, he won’t be making costly mistakes or wasting my time. That rumor should keep him busy for the best part of next week.”

“You mentioned his uncle. He works at the firm too?”

“Yeah, that would be Mr. Jones.”

“What, that nice older guy? Your boss?”

Harrison stares into the distance. “Yup.”

I pull gently at my tie to loosen it a little. Harrison looks at where my finger is wedged between the collar and my neck.

“Do you want to get out of here?”

“I thought you needed to be here.”

He shrugs. “I’ve shown up. I’ve talked to people.”

“Okay.”

I follow Harrison back inside. No one stops us for small talk, but I notice a guy watching us as we head to the staircase.

When we’re by Harrison’s car, he stops. “Where do you want to go?” he asks.

The night air crackles around us. It’s cold and hot at the same time. Or maybe it’s just me.

When I reply, my voice feels hoarse. “I know a place. Can I drive?”

“Sure.”

18

HARRISON

As Fletcher drivesus away from The Academy, I’m still reeling from the stuff he overheard.

I have no doubt that Bradley has always been a little weasel. The way he introduced himself with faux nicety put me on high alert from the get-go.