Zack’s lungs contracted. He knew it was irrational, but part of him didn’t want to let Wesley Darkling go. If it hadn’t been for him . . . He didn’t know how to finish that thought. He did know, however, that the idea of coming up with a new fake identity was abhorrent.

He stared down at his hands. He had the overwhelming desire to do something, but he didn’t know what. Instead, he asked, “I can really go back to work?”

“Yes, and I meant what I said: I expect you to work your ass off, pardon the expression.” She stood, dismissing him, but Zack was rooted to the spot. Colette eyed him. “Is something wrong?”

“I’m not fired,” Zack stated.

“No,” she said, “you’re not.” She sat back down. “Is that a problem?”

“I . . .” He almost couldn’t believe what he was about to say. “I think I’d like to be fired.”

Colette’s penciled eyebrows rose to her hairline. “What?”

“It’s just like you said,” Zack explained. “I’m no good at this. I only planned on working here temporarily, and then somehow I got stuck. After everything that’s happened . . . I don’t know, but I don’t think I can go back to how things were.”

He didn’t expound, but Colette nodded like she understood. “I’m kind of sorry to hear that. You’re entertaining when you’re not being annoying. If you made me money, I might actually like you.”

Zack grinned. “Admit it, you kind of do anyway.”

“I won’t deny it.” Colette stood up and held out her hand. Zack stood and took it. “You’re fired,” she said.

“Thank you,” Zack replied.

He walked out of the office and headed for his cubicle. He didn’t have many personal possessions, but there were a few things he needed to collect. And he needed to tell Alexa what he’d done. That wasn’t going to be pretty.

Zack grabbed his things—coffee mug, pencils, some scattered notes—and made his departure without further ado. He managed to catch Alexa’s eye on his way out. He mouthed Follow me and exited the building. It was a cool, moonless night, which somehow felt fitting. He leaned against the building to wait for Alexa.

He barely had time to get settled before the door burst open.

“Zack!” Alexa called. “What happened?” She stopped short. “Why are you holding your stuff?”

Zack gave her a look.

Alexa gasped. “You got fired.”

“More or less,” Zack said. He explained what had happened.

She whistled. “Wow. I had a feeling you’d leave one day, but I expected you to go out with a bang. You know, start a fire in the break room and roll down the stairs in your chair shouting ‘I’m free!’ or something.”