in Midtown Manhattan, and Barbara stepped out onto the sidewalk, lo

er pale face reflected off the polished marble floor as W

rnstiles, pulled her staff ID badge from

as the screen flashed bright re

nly to get the same red light; Keagan had cut off

oticed the noise and walked

e has been deactivated, do

eep breath to pu

's office, I need to go upstair

lkie-talkie for a moment before loo

you are currently suspended and cannot enter

realizing Keagan had blocked every path

gue, the VIP elevator doors chime

ding a thick file folder, stopping in surprise w

. Co

y crossing his eyes behind his gold-rimmed gla

pstairs and get my thin

rd and pushed his g

t if you want to go up, you have to sign

ole years, she was being forced to register

ara said through clenched teeth, unwill

er to the front desk, and brought back

n quickly on the sheet, pressing the tip h

a plastic visitor

follow m

k, Barbara dragged her suitcase b

weightlessness made her empty stomach churn, and she pressed

s office right now?

or a second before

t now, but... Miss Marsh is wai

n of Catina's name; Keagan had actually brought t

ors opened onto the quiet, luxurio

traight past the other assistants toward her own des

when she saw the metal lock on her desk drawer pri

ed her hand under the bottom drawer to f

tely empty-her backu

ith fury as the heavy mahogany doors of th

shoulders, Catina walked out holding a warm glass of milk, her lips curling

ugh to make every secretary in the suite turn and stare.