Page 39 of Speak of the Devil (New Hope 3)

The unexplainable is always easier to believe than the truth.

I am wheeled into a room with a table and chairs and nothing else. Sitting at the table, hands folded, is my sponsor, Melanie. Adam must have told her I was here. Only he could authorize clearance to let her in.

“Oh, V,” she cries, taking one look at me. “What have you done now?”

I don’t answer. I’m still groggy.

“Why couldn’t you have just given the damn speech?”

“I got drunk.” I don’t know how much she knows. I do know they are monitoring our conversation.

Her face falls, but she recovers quickly. “It’s okay. You don’t have to pretend anymore, V.” She shakes her head as her eyes scan me from head to toe. She knows. “I’ve come to help you.”

I offer the answer that will help me most, “I’m fine.”

“The Siren program was my idea.”

I should be devastated—offended even. Melanie is supposed to be my friend. But I’m not either of those things because we both know we aren’t friends. Also, she’s lying. The Siren program was around long before her.

“I don’t understand.”

“The assignment…it was my idea.”

I fold my hands and place them on the table, mirroring her.

“Marcia Louis is in a fantastic position at a pharmaceutical company. New Hope needed an “in.” She was supposed to be it.”

I realize why she’s here. If I admit that I could have succeeded, they will know for sure I am lying about what took place that night. “I’m not going to try again, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“And why not?”

“She wasn’t into me. I don’t think she’s into women at all. But if you want to test it, you’re going to have to send someone else.”

“You know that’s not your call, V.”

“I can save you the trouble. If you give me the assignment, I’ll just end up here again.”

“That’s not very optimist

ic of you.”

I pivot. I’m interested to see how much she knows. “Who is handling my clients? While I’m in here?”

“Abigail.”

“Abigail?” This seems unlikely. I don’t know a lot about her, but I’m pretty sure she’s a bit old to play the parts I play.

“Don’t think too much. Just accept the punishment and do better next time.”

“Melanie,” I say, reaching for her arm. “I need you to do something for me. I’ll do whatever you want, if you can do this one thing…”

“What?”

“I need to get a green Hot Wheels truck to Matty.”

“Please. I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t important. I’ve never asked you for anything before”.

“I’d have to ask Adam.”