Page 16 of Rite of Unity

Maryn’s gaze shot to Corrine’s, and they stared at one another.“I made the request for a field agent.”

“You were told to file it.”

“There’s a problem with the paperwork,” I cut in.

Corrine’s mouth snapped shut.

Maryn turned to me.“I understand.If there is a problem, it’s my fault.How can I rectify it?”

My pulse pounded in my ears.Had she just accepted fault?Was she willing to accept punishment?

“Please, get the file and meet me in an office.”I looked around.“Is there an office in this building?”

“Mr.Hale, as her supervisor, I must be present for any disciplinary meetings.”

I searched Corrine’s face.I’d initially chosen her both to give her a chance and because she’d shown great promise in her career.How had I not remembered she worked atthisbuilding?Her sharp, business-minded nature had been what first attracted me to her, and what likely chased away so many other men.

“That won’t be necessary.I require Miss Veil’s presence at the site.She will walk me through the information, and I will determine whether she is at fault.”

Corrine opened her mouth, but I spoke first.

“I’m not asking for permission.”

Her lips pressed together, and she nodded.

“Miss Veil, please get the file and meet me at my car.”

Outside, I leaned against the car and scrambled to put a plan together.I had no idea what sort of report she’d filed.I only knew that my father wanted a public spectacle.Whoever had violated one of our religious laws, it was up to me to make an example of them.

A tightness under my ribs threatened to squeeze the air from my lungs.Most who broke our laws were good people who didn’t have a choice given their circumstances.I could only hope this time the offender was a true criminal.

The door to the building flew open, and Maryn strode out.The afternoon sun caught hints of blue in her dark hair.I’d never seen hair so black or so straight.

I met her eyes, and they narrowed slightly.

She halted several feet from the car, glancing around.“I… can’t.”

A smile tugged at my mouth.“Did you think I’d come to a woman’s place of business without a chaperone?”

I opened the car door, the woman in gray clearly visible, and ushered her inside.

She glanced between me and the chaperone before stepping through, and sitting beside the silent woman.

I stepped in after and sat across from her.

She eyed me, saying nothing.For a moment, we stared at one another, our mute companion looking straight ahead.

Then Maryn thrust the file into my lap.

I opened the folder, flipping the pages.A shop owner.Open on a Monday.No one was exempt from the holy day—the law was the law.Deportation to the Lower at best.The wall at worst.But how had he disabled his door alarm and gotten out of his house?

Without looking up, I said, "Micah, take us to five-thirteen Forrest Drive.”

The car rolled forward, and Maryn pressed her hand into the armrest.

My gaze shot up and I smiled.“First time in a car?”

She searched my face, and I swallowed.Hers was a mask I couldn’t read, but her eyes were sharp and searching, missing nothing.