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"Miss Mitchell, Dr Banks would very much appreciate it if you would accompany us back to Syht" The man’s expression didn’t waver In its oay, it was as dead as the faces on the people who’d been in ot ready, and a space has been kept open for you in the van"

The relief faded, followed by the faendered This tie If I ith the back here? No one would knohere I was I could call and leave a h

"No, thank you," I said, through lips that felt suddenly nu my boyfriend for lunch, and the roundtrip from SymboGen to here would leave only a few minutes for me to talk with Dr Banks It would be silly But if he wants me to come in later this week…"

"Miss Mitchell, it may not be safe for you to remain here alone"

"I’h to put ’s head She stayed where she was, her attention going to the o with theer outside if it weren’t for her She’s an excellent guard dog"

A flicker of displeasure lit in theyou here alone"

"I’ with you," I said, unable to keep the edge of anxiety out of ives Dr Banks the right to ask ets to order me I don’t work for him I am not a part of SymboGen"

"Miss Mitchell--"

"I’d like you to leave now, please I need to put so up onatop her head "Please," I repeated

The ht But please, if there is any further trouble, don’t hesitate to call Dr Banks worries for your safety"

"I won’t Hesitate, Ito take so, and watched as the man from SymboGen waved the others off the porch He walked after them Once he was outside, I stepped forward and closed the door

I letmy eyes, and just breathed No scary dead-eyed people in the yard No Syood, good dog, who deserved an entire steak for the way she’d come to my defense I would put on so I recoiled fro my eyes until I ell clear of the wood It wasn’t intentional; I just reacted Beverly barked once, but it was an inquisitive sound, not a panicked one Whatever was on the porch, it didn’t upset her