The heavy mahogany door shut with a muted thud, sealing out the chaos of the corridor. Jack didn't move right away. He stood with his back to it for a beat, jaw set, shoulders squared, as though he were physically holding the rest of the world at bay. His breathing was steady, but there was something hard in his eyes—leftover from the scene on the first floor.
Selena stood a few feet away, clutching her handbag like it was the only thing keeping her upright. The skin under her eyes was tight from holding back tears, and her lips pressed together until they turned pale. She could still feel the weight of stares from moments ago, still hear the muffled whispers, the way people's tones shifted when she walked past.
She wanted to shrink into herself and disappear.
"Sit," Jack said, nodding toward the leather armchair across from his desk.
Selena shook her head. "No… I— I can't stay here, Jack. Not after this."
