“You’re from London?” Katie questions. “How come you don’t have an accent?”

I’m suddenly grateful for Richard’s relentless preparation. “I’ve been at boarding school in London for the past eight years,” I answer. “But I was born and raised here in the States, so I never picked up an accent.”

Katie nods as though that makes perfect sense, and I let out a subtle sigh of relief.

“Did you like London?” she asks.

“Yes,” I respond. “I was planning to stay there for university, but then my stepfather, Thomas, got a position here as a professor, so it seemed like the right time to come home. My stepbrother, Philip, is also starting here this semester. He’s a junior, but he transferred because he wasn’t happy at his last school.”

I study Katie’s reaction closely, hoping my background didn’t sound like the carefully rehearsed story it is.

“Lincoln’s the best,” she tells me, accepting my explanation. “You both definitely made the right choice. What does your stepfather teach?”

“Engineering,” I reply, glad the answer comes to me immediately.

“I definitely won’t have him, then.” Katie laughs. “I’m a drama major.”

“That sounds cool.”

“Any idea what you want to major in?”

This time I don’t have to lie. “No idea.”

“That’s how I was, too. You’re only a freshman, right?”

I nod.

“You’ve got plenty of time.”

Another yawn overtakes me. “Sorry. I’m exhausted. Do you mind if I head to bed?”

“Of course not,” Katie replies, giving me a friendly smile. “I totally understand. We’ve got the whole year to get to know each other.”

I smile back, although her final words form a twist of unease in my stomach. I’ve been here for less than an hour, but I already have a sinking sensation that four months won’t feel like long enough.

CHAPTER FIVE

The next morning, I wake up just before seven. It takes me a few minutes to process the unfamiliar surroundings before I climb out of bed.

I brush my teeth and wash my face in the small bathroom, then pull on a pair of athletic shorts and a tank top. I grab my new phone and keycard before heading outside. It’s a beautiful morning. Bright sunlight illuminates the deserted campus. I jog away from my new dorm along a paved path, keeping a close eye on the landmarks I pass to make certain I’ll remember how to get back to Kennedy Hall.

One of the few times Philip spoke on the trip here was to ask me whether I would be continuing my early morning runs at Lincoln, indicating he did some research and spoke to members of my usual security team. I’m pretty certain I deterred him by replying I only ran at home as a means of getting out of the palace.

Having to call him because I’m lost on campus in the midst of a morning run would undoubtedly alert him to that lie.

I successfully return to my new room a half hour later. Katie is still asleep. I quickly shower and dress in a blue cotton dress. My phone dings just as I finish putting on a pair of sandals. I look at the screen to see a notification from the messaging app Thomas mentioned last night. I tap it, and it scans my face before opening a group chat. I quickly reply to the message asking if I’m doing all right and confirm I’m not planning to leave campus today.