Chapter 7: Operation Soft Landing

The Argyle Lounge was on the top floor of the student union, and Norman had already ordered for the table.

"Three sparkling waters," he told the waiter. "Cass likes the lime."

Cassian did not like the lime.

He had never liked the lime.

He had said sure to it once in first year and been handed it ever since.

"I'll have tea," he said.

Norman stopped with his hand in the air.

"Tea?"

"Hot tea. With honey." Cassian heard how steady his voice was. "I want tea."

"Okay," said Norman, and glanced at Britteny. "Tea, then."

Noah was waiting outside in the car, with the engine off and a statistics book open on the wheel.

He had said, "I'll be here," and nothing else.

Britteny set her tablet on the table, and the first slide came up.

It said PHASE 3 in gold letters, under a photograph of Noah's laminated schedule.

"The test is over," she said. "He trusts you."

"He's been sleeping in your house for four nights," said Norman.

"So the letter should be ready by Sunday," said Britteny.

"Phase four is the breakup, for after the hearing. Day fifteen. We keep it clean." She swiped. "I made a slide."

The slide was a pie chart.

It was titled WHY THIS IS KIND, and the whole circle was one colour.

Cassian looked at the pie chart for a long moment.

"No," he said.

Norman laughed.

"No what?"

"No to all of it."

It was the first time the word had come out of his mouth in front of them.

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