Page 11 of Havenfall Harbor
“You’re a life saver.” I step forward.
Wes’s eyes go round, and he rushes to take a few more steps back like he thinks I might tackle him. I stop and I feel a large, warm palm on the small of my back guiding me forward again. “Ooh,” I blurt, forgetting I was blocking Griffin’s path.
Wes’s eyes are way above my head, so I don’t think it’s me he was retreating from. He averts his gaze almost immediately. “Thank you, Wes,” I say, as Griffin makes his way around us. His wide back is all I see as he strolls down the hall with a purpose.
Wes lifts his hand again, holding the papers out to me. Finally, he lifts his gaze to meet mine. He has a nervous smile plastered on his face and gives a slight shake of his head. “I was bringing these up. I have John watching the desk, but I need to get back.”
“Honestly, I can’t thank you enough. Would you like to grab lunch sometime?” I offer.
Wes’s face softens as a genuine smile curls his lips. “Don’t you have someplace to be?” I look up at the barked question.
The man from the security room last night is looming a few steps down the hall. Wes’s back goes rigid and his eyes narrow, it changes the entire appearance of his face. “I printed out your schedule and your badge is already set up.” I take the papers and the small, white keycard attached to the lanyard from Wes.
“Thanks,” I respond loudly enough for the man to hear. “Sorry to cause trouble,” I mouth so only Wes will see.
His face smooths again. “I’m happy to help anytime,” he replies, before turning around. He ignores the man watching us, walking right past him and heading back to the front desk.
I glance down at the paper and note the first line says I have a meeting with G. Stone at ten. Without looking back at the grumpy man, I head in the opposite direction Wes did and set my sights on the cafeteria. I have a few hours to burn, I might as well get some breakfast while I go over these papers.
As I push into the large eatery, I note the emptiness. It must still be too early for most of the staff members. There are a few people dotted around the room, but everyone is pretty subdued compared to last night at dinner.
Not bothering with a tray, I grab a small plate with an everything bagel and a chilled, single serving of cream cheese. I’m not sure how much I’ll even eat, but a few bites might do me some good. I’m not big on coffee, so I snag a bottle of apple juice from the end of the counter and find a table that isn’t occupied so I can go over my papers.
The first page looks like an itinerary for today. I note the meeting time and locations, hoping I won’t have a hard time finding them. The second page is a map of the staff wing, and the third is a map of the school wing. I look around, wishing I had a pencil or highlighter, but come up empty. I left my purse in my room, not really thinking I would need it.
The final page is filled with information like the Wi-Fi password and phone numbers I might need, including one for Director G. Stone.
I pull my phone from my pocket and get the Wi-Fi set up before adding in the numbers to the main desk and security room. The latter I enter reluctantly. From my experience so far, I don’t think I have any fans there, well, maybe Evan, he was nice enough. And easy on the eyes too.
I pick at my bagel as the room slowly starts to fill with lumbering teachers and staff members. The volume in the room rises as the tables fill.
I’m walking out as Rob, one of the men I met last night, enters. “Hey, good first night?” he asks while slowing his steps.
“Yes, surprisingly, I slept like a rock.” I step out of the way so a few others can make their way past us.
“Good.” Rob nods his head. “Already eat?”
“I did. I’m off to find my office and get ready for my first meeting.” My phone rings before I can say more. When I drag it out, I notice the number is coming from Havenfall’s area code. “I’m sorry, I need to take this.”
“Catch you later.” He waves, already walking toward the buffet line.
I head out of the dining hall so I can hear the call better.
“Hello,” I answer.
“Ms. Shaw?” a light, feminine voice asks.
“Yes, this is she.”
“I’m calling to inform you that your ten o’clock meeting with Headmaster Stone has been canceled.”
I move farther down the hall, away from the noise. “Oh, is it to be rescheduled?” I inquire, taken a little off guard.
“Not at this time. Headmaster Stone is a very busy man.” There’s something about the way the woman says ‘headmaster’ that triggers a memory, the voice sounds familiar.
“That’s unfortunate, I was looking forward to meeting him,” I tell her honestly.
“I’m sure you were.” There’s a harder edge to the voice now. “As I said. Headmaster Stone is very busy. If he feels the need to meet with you, I’m sure he’ll make arrangements. Goodbye.” The line goes dead, leaving me gaping at the phone.
