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I change directions “I didn’t realize he comes here so much That’s nice”

“It’s ”

That is news But instead, I keep s and pretend I know all of this

“It’s a of him that he finds time He’s so busy at work,” I say

“He says the location is close to his office, but I’ed I know Cresthill is at the very edge of the city, and he’s not That traffic is a bitch when he coame of cards”

I cock my head to the side

“You like to play?” I ask

He beaer “Love it”

“That’s how you and Trent bonded?”

“Yeah, Trent plays poker He’s good But not as good as me”

“Do you guys play for money?”

He narrows his eyes onfor money”

My spine goes raht What a dumb question Of course, Trent doesn’t play for cash, not after what his father did I should have known this, and Henry is probably wondering why I didn’t

“Doesn’t ardless I’m simply happy for the company”

He looks away from me A faraway look consumes his eyes

“Are you okay?”

“I was just thinking”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

He tilts his head and stares “I guessTrent trusts you after all”

I feel like I’ve been stabbed in the gut with the lie that’s lodged into choke me, but my instincts tell me it’s worth it for Henry to open up to me

“You can tellit on thick anyway “That’s what I’m here for”

“My son,” he whispers It’s a haunted, broken sound

“What about your son?”

“We had a falling out, and my son”—Henry shakes his head—“he won’t talk to me”

“Have you tried to reach out to him?”

He nods “I have, but I don’t knohere he is anymore We lost touch, and every day I’m here, I wonder how much time I have left I’rets I don’t want to die without righting s”

I reach for his hand and squeeze it, gentling my voice “Tell me about your son”

And this tiet about my mission