Page 209 of Double or Nothing

The silence stretches.

Until he nods.

“Good.”

My God, he believes me. William Parker actually believes me.

Relief surges up my spine, but I hold my posture.

Shoulders loose.

Hands still.

Poker face.

Somehow, impossibly, I manage to have one.

“Unfortunately, I will need your focus this week,” Bill says. “Christopher will become involved in preliminary discussions soon after his return.”

“I’ll be ready.”

“I know.”

The familiar approval lands differently now. The affection in his stare has already been replaced by status and profit. My time at work valued more than the release he just offered me. On and off like a light switch.

It makes the burden of lying so much easier to carry.

Bill dismisses me, and I leave at a measured pace. Full of thank yous.

Halfway down the corridor, past Caroline’s desk, a disbelieving laugh escapes under my breath.

I did it.

I lied directly to William Parker.

He actually fucking believed me.

Victory.

Small, morally questionable and absolutely fucking magnificent.

I don’t touch my cuffs once on the way back to my office. I don’t need to.

At just gone half four, my phone buzzes.

Jack.

Come over to Alice’s when you’re done. Sooner the better. We’re sorting out the studio for tomorrow.

I smile.

I’ll be there ASAP.

Another message pings through.

How are you coping in the pressure cooker? You doing ok?

Jack has been wondering. About me.