“No,” I breathed. “He’s not. Report to Peter when you’re finished with the file room so he can give you a list of new duties. You will work in Peter’s department, now, so he is your immediate supervisor, and he will handle your evaluation. If you need anything, Peter will be happy to address your concerns.”

“Nina!”

I walked out of the basement and took a deep breath. It was the first time my lungs felt like they were getting air. I noticed another, newer, male intern walking down the hall, and called him over.

“Yes, Mrs. Ryel?”

“The lights in the file room need attention. Call maintenance and have the bulbs replaced or repaired immediately, and please help Sasha with whatever she needs. You’ll find her at the end of the third aisle. And do not, under any circumstances, leave her alone.”

The intern frowned with confusion. “Y-yes, ma’am.” He stood there for a moment, every thought scrolling across his face.

“Well? Go.”

He nodded, hastily making his way down the hall to the file room, and I paused, disturbed by the distinct Cynthia-like tone in my voice just then.

I rushed up the stairs, squinting from the bright sunlight bursting through the windows of the lobby. When I made it to the Escalade, Jared watched me warily.

“Was there a problem?” he said.

I took his hand. “They were in there.”

“Who?”

“They, Jared,” I sighed. I put my elbow on the console and covered my eyes with my fingers. “I could feel them.” Jared was quiet, so I peeked up at him. He seemed confused. “You couldn’t feel them?”

“What makes you think they were there?”

“I was creeped out, for one. I’ve been around them enough to know what it feels like when they’re around. Sasha was down there crying; negative energy in the air; it was cold.”

Jared’s mouth pulled to one side. “That doesn’t necessarily mean that—,”

“Just,” I sighed, irritated, “this one time, trust me. I’m not a Hybrid, but they were in there. Not many, but I could feel them.”

“But…I couldn’t feel them. It doesn’t make sense that you could and I couldn’t.”

I shook my head. “I don’t understand it.” I thought for a moment. “Could you sense me?”

“Yes. You were just fine.”

“I was not just fine. I genuinely believed something was about to attack me. You didn’t sense that?”

Jared shifted to face me, his face darkened with concern. “You were afraid.” His tone was more of a statement than a question.

“My adrenaline was about to shoot through my eyes! I thought your senses were heightened?”

Jared eyes bounced around the cab of the Escalade as his mind tried to work out the details of this new development. He was clearly not taking it well. He faced forward, and shoved the gear in drive.