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“Andup quickly,” I added “It’sthan I expected”

“I know that feeling I knewto be hard, but no one told me I wouldn’t have my own life anymore”

“What’s going on with the senators?” I asked

We sat together at the small bistro table in the corner It was covered in mail neither one of us had opened

She rolled her eyes “Squabbling over contracts”

“Oh?”

Greer nodded “Weapons contracts They have narrowed it down from five companies to three But that’s all I can say You know, ”

“I understand You don’t have to say anything else”

“Sometimes I think it would be easier if I hadn’t taken a job with clearance requirements I can’t even tell Preston half the stuff I’m upset about It’s like I have half a conversation and have to leave all these blanks He listens, but he doesn’t get it because I can’t tell hi That’s not normal is it?”

“I think maybe in this town it’s kind of normal”

I felt as if I were doing the sa, but not because I had sworn an oath

“I guess you’re right”

The sunlight dappled the hardwood floors I looked at the clock

“Shit I have to get in the shower” I pulled out my chair “I don’t want to be late or ressive comments about it all day” I turned to leave

“Not going well?”