I turn around and see a man with broad shoulders and a stern, unyielding expression. My eyes drift to the shiny badge on his vest, displayed like a hard-won trophy.
Chief Chris Limestone.
Chief… He must be the one who's been looking for me. What does he want?
"Yes… it's me, sir… Limestone," I manage, forcing a smile and raising my hand to shake his. A long pause. His hand doesn't move and I feel my arm slowly dropping back to my side, a flicker of doubt running through me.
Without another word, he grabs a chair and practically hurls it in front of me. His voice rough, and commanding:
"Have a seat."
I hesitate and glance up at his tall figure, then at the chair, then back at him. Finally, I lower myself onto it, my fingers fidgeting nervously with the ring on my thumb, rolling it around over and over and over.
"What is it you want, sir?" I ask, voice tight.
"Call me Chris." After a long beat, he speaks again.
"I am here to inform you something. The director thought it would be important for you to be aware… and cautious… from now on."
I frown, nodding for him to continue. He exhales, a slow, measured breath, as if preparing himself.
"Ma'am… do you recognize a man named Zane? Zane Cross."
My body freezes. A chill shoots through me. What does he have to do with this? No. No, no, no...
"Don't say his name…" I mutter under my breath.
"Do you know him? Yes or no?"
I swallow hard, my throat dry.
"Y-yes… I do. But I assure you, I had nothing to do with him. He's… he's dead."
Silence stretches between us like a taut wire. Then he leans forward slightly, eyes still piercing, voice cold as steel.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that, Miss Everhart."