Chapter 133: Confidants, Part 12

James

Only a couple of minutes later, there is another knock on the door, a subdued tap.

“Come in, Miss Conners.”

Charlotte enters, looks apprehensively at Haswell, then at me, I think for reassurance. But I keep my expression as flat as Haswell’s. Whatever game he’s playing, it’s his rules.

Then her eyes flash to Jansen, her face suddenly furious….

Must teach you to hide your emotions better than that, Jade….

Jansen looks smug. “And here’s our gutter rat.”

“Better gutter rat than sewer rat,” she spits.

That’s my girl….

But I keep my face straight.

Haswell’s voice is calm as he points to the seat next to mine. “Charlotte, sit down.”

She glares at Jansen but moves to take the seat. Then, as she passes Jansen, in mid-step, she spins, hand raised….

Did he just try to feel her up…?

I’m shocked by the sheer gall of the man, but this isn’t the time. I snatch at her hand, grabbing her by the wrist, restraining her. “Charlotte, sit.”