Chapter 5: Whose Mouth

I did not wait for the letter to reach the dorm.

I texted back, "Where?" and he sent the brownstone address again.

It was after seven when I got there.

The front room was dark except for his desk lamp.

Benedict stood at the window with his sleeves rolled and a folder in his hand.

"You came," he said.

"You told me not to sign anything."

"I'm telling you now."

He held out the folder.

I opened it on the desk under the lamp.

It was a copy of the Ellingwood Fellowship terms, four pages, with a space for my name at the bottom.

I read it standing up.

Tuition was covered.

Housing was covered.

But on page three, in small print, was a clause.

It said the fellowship "may be withdrawn at the donor's sole discretion until the first day of term."

"That's the trap," I said.

"That's how Miriam gives things."

"She gives them so she can take them back."

"Yes."

I tapped the clause.

"I'll sign if this line comes out. Not before."

He looked at me with open respect.

"You'd have made a fine lawyer."

"I'd have made a better thief. I only steal from people who steal first."

He laughed, again, that low sound.

I felt it low in my stomach.

It was quiet in the room, and the lamp made a small gold circle around us.

I realized I was standing very close to him.

His sleeve was almost against mine.

"Benedict," I said.

"Mm."

"The elevator."

"I know."

"You didn't finish."

"Susie." His voice was careful. "I'm nine years older than you. I'm your boss. I was engaged to your friend until five weeks ago."

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