ONE HUNDRED AND TWO

Anders had his eyes on them fully, totally ignoring the worker explaining what was left of the construction. A muscle worked in his jaw as he gave the man beside Veil a long, hard stare.

He could see the man stammer, his eyes darting between Anders and Veil. After a long minute, he skittered away like a mouse with its tail trapped between its legs, but Anders had seen more than enough.

Returning his attention back to the worker, he made mental notes of the points highlighted before deciding he had had enough.

“Great job thus far,” he said, heading to the entrance with the worker beside him. “I like what I see. Keep it up.”

The worker nodded politely to Anders and turned to Veil. “Hi, Ms. Hart. I was wondering why you didn’t come in with Mr. Rodriquez as usual. Don’t tell me the sweat and grime are beginning to get to you already.”

“It isn’t that,” Veil answered, forcing laughter through her throat. She didn’t feel any of it, not even when the man’s eyes raised in humor. She wanted to