#Chapter 26: Two’s a Crowd

I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that clung to my spine as we stepped into the Clayton Sports Center. The stories I'd heard and read about Mr. Fitzgerald didn't paint a kind or forgiving picture. Linda, on the other hand, appeared remarkably calm. We climbed the polished oak staircase and found ourselves standing before a set of double doors that led to his office. I took a deep breath and exchanged a tense glance with Linda. We couldn't turn back now. “Are you sure you want to go in there with me?” asked Linda, though her tone lacked any sincerity. “Because I can handle this on my own.” “I’ll be perfectly fine in there,” I said. “Besides, I can’t have you handling all my adversaries.” She hummed, giving me a sideways glance before turning back to the door. I had practiced my neutrality, but it seemed she was reading something on my face regardless. The last thing I wanted her to think of me was that I was uncertain. Pushing the doors open, we entered the room, and there