I’d assumed she’d also left the program after her brother’s death and the bizarre announcement that she’d been part of the plan for the Morrigan all along. Xavier was nothing but a sacrifice to the Goddess of War. But again, all of that was shut down when I split from the Darkness. What would Anita do now?
As much as I wanted to hate the girl, I still felt guilt for taking her brother’s life—planned or not. I’d let the Darkness win and it will go down as my weakest moment.
I slip a finger under the edge of the file, desperately wanting to know what’s inside, but I hear voices down the hall, followed by quick footsteps. I step back and move to my seat. My heart races even though I’ve done nothing wrong.
“Morgan, what a surprise.” Dr. Christensen walks into the room behind me and circles the desk. He lays a stack of papers on top of the file folder and pushes back his chair to sit across from me. “I’m glad you came in.”
“I apologize for my behavior lately. It’s been incredibly unprofessional.”
He looks back at me with kind eyes. “I know Xavier’s death hit you hard.”
“It was a shock, yes.”
“And then Anita disappearing. I never expected that but you just don’t know what people will do in a period of grief.”
I sit up in my seat. “Anita did what?”
“You didn’t know? I thought she must have contacted you. It’s one of the reasons I needed to speak to you so desperately.”
“No, she didn’t. Why would she?”
He shrugs. “Professional courtesy? Friendship?”
“I don’t think we really had much of either of those, sir.”
I’d like to say he looks surprised at my comment but he doesn’t—more resigned. He shuffles the papers on his desk and I see my incomplete manuscript on the top. I feel a pang of sadness and confusion. Do I quit or is Damien right? Is there more to the story?
“I regret that this has been an odd start to your program, Morgan. There are always little bumps in the road but this is extreme. I’ve spoken to the board of directors, they’re willing to overlook the critique portion of your assignment for the rest of this semester as long as you continue working in good faith.”
“No more partners?”
“No.”
“To be honest, Dr. Christensen, I was planning on coming here today to leave the program. I’ve been struggling with my writing.”
“I’m not surprised. The chaotic events of late are not conducive to creativity. But I would be against you quitting entirely.” He picks up my book. “This is stellar work. You have me hooked. This isn’t a book that will go on a shelf for three weeks in a bookstore and then disappear. This is a book that will become a classic and reside on important desks for future generations.”
“Seriously?”
“Absolutely. Take your time. Rest your mind and when you’re ready the words will come back.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Positive,” he says without missing a beat. “I have faith in you, Morgan, and you have work to complete. Some events in life are not an option. They’re an obligation. Remember that.”
The comment is strange but coming off the heels of Damien’s thoughts I feel a little more confident that I can get my writing mojo back. “I’ll do my best,” I say, standing up. “So you haven’t heard from Anita at all?”
“No. Not since the visitation.”
Shortly before we performed the separation spell. Maybe she felt it and left. Or maybe her role in all of this is over. Either way, I’m not sad she’s gone.
Chapter Nine
Morgan
After an uneventful dinner, I patiently wait for the men to leave The Nead. They don’t make a fuss about it and if I hadn’t been warned I never would have noticed them slipping down to the garage.
Davis doesn’t question when I ask him to call me a taxi, but the glint in his eye tells me he’s no fool and already knows where I’m headed. Maybe it’s my casual outfit. Not quite workout clothes, but jeans and a t-shirt.