Chapter 32. Purely Professional

The next day paved the way for an awkward first meeting. Unexpectedly, Gomez pulled me aside during our morning patrol, hastily whispering in my ear while Uncle Jerry was preoccupied with a late recruit. "Claire wants to see you later this evening. Grab a bite to eat and discuss where to start. Meet us outside the mansion before dinner." Gomez pulls away quickly, smoothing his hair. "Are you crazy?" I mutter under my breath. "Meeting you both at the mansion will attract attention. Pick me up from my house at eight. Wait at the end of the road, out of sight." Rather impatiently, I stride off and leave Gomez in the watch-hut. Dad glances at me momentarily, raising an eyebrow but I feign ignorance. The moment I gave Claire the go-ahead to include me in her little project, the bravado melted away. I started to feel slightly nervous and on edge. After all, was I rushing into this because of what happened with Dante? Was I doing all of this, just to show him that I'