The Thomas Group held immense power in the city. Even if Julian had friends at court, they might not dare help her–and if they did, they’d risk crossing Jonathan. She couldn’t bear the thought of dragging someone else down with her.
Niamh kept these worries to herself, but Julian could read the apprehension on her face. He offered no promises, only told her he’d talk to some people after his meeting tomorrow and that she shouldn’t let it weigh on her.
The next day, Julian didn’t even show up to work at the Juvenile Rehabilitation. Center. When Niamh asked the head supervisor, she just shook her head and said Julian had called in, said he needed to go to court about “the most important matter of his life.” The phrasing made Niamh snort despite herself.
Niamh spent the morning sorting files in the office until lunchtime, while the storm outside grew wilder. She wasn’t afraid of thunder, but her office was tucked away at the end of a second–floor corridor, and now–during lunch break–the building was almost deserted. The Juvenile Rehabilitation Center was half prison, half school; it stifled everyone inside. Even for a short lunch, the teachers did whatever they could to get out, if only for a breath of fresh air.
Only two security staff were on duty, and from Niamh’s experience, they were probably napping somewhere. With the halls so empty, a sudden crash of thunder could make anyone jump.
As the resident counselor, it was her job to be on call, so she stayed put, ordering
takeout for lunch.
She checked her phone–the delivery should have arrived by now.
Just as she was about to message the courier, someone knocked at her office
door.
“Delivery!”
Niamh opened the door without a second thought, but it wasn’t the delivery guy standing outside.
At the same time, across town, Marina had taken the day off and was on her way to The Thomas Group’s headquarters. The storm had turned traffic into a night…are. She kept one hand on the wheel, the other flicking through WhatsApp, though her messages weren’t to Jonathan.
joker: Everything’s set. Just head over when you’re ready.
23:34
Chapter 25
Marina replied with a quick “On It,” tossed her phone aside, and hit the gas. Her little pink coupe tore through the rain–soaked streets.
Back at the Juvenile Rehabilitation Center
Niamh found herself cornered in her office by a group of delinquent students.
Leading the pack was Dylan–the same kid who’d organized the bullying against Julian.
Dylan was built like a linebacker, hulking and thick–necked despite being only sixteen.
As a counselor, Niamh knew the backgrounds of most of the teens here. Everyone at the Center had a record–these weren’t just troubled kids; they’d all broken the
law.
Dylan was by far the worst. He’d raped two classmates at fourteen–one of whom was too scared to go to the police. Since arriving at the Center, he’d done nothing but fight and cause havoc, building his own little gang.
Because his family had connections, most staff turned a blind eye.
Dylan tossed Niamh’s lunch into the trash and gave her. a slow, mocking grin.
“Afternoon, Ms. Rivers!”
One of the boys at the back quietly locked the door.
Clearly, they hadn’t come with good intentions. Niamh backed up until she was pressed against the window, gripping her metal thermos as tightly as she could. “What do you want?” she demanded, forcing herself to meet their eyes.
But she was just one woman, alone and outnumbered by a gang of teenage boys who towered over her.
Dylan swaggered forward, tapping his finger to his nose. “Nothing much. Just wanted to ask if you’ve got a boyfriend, Ms. Rivers. Or maybe you’d consider me?”
Niamh steadied her voice, her hand shaking only a little. “I’m married,” she said flatly. “Happily taken.”
Dylan’s grin widened. “Even better. We could use a little tutoring from someone with experience, don’t you think?”
Before he could lay a hand on her, Niamh swung her thermos with all her strength, cracking Dylan hard across the temple.
23 34
