Chapter 21: The Mask He Wore
Theo placed his head slowly against the glass window of the car.
His dark circles were even more visible than usual, and the lines under his eyes made him look older than twenty-seven.
Theo was not twenty-seven.
The moment Frank mentioned "replacement," Theo didn't even blink.
"Fine," he repliee quietly. "I don't care if you replace me. I just need help for a while."
That calm tone caught Danielle off guard. Her head snapped toward him. "You what?"
Theo didn't look at her. "I said I need help, not replacement."
Frank adjusted his tie, and fixed his throat. "Theo, you've been off your rhythm lately. If you can't focus…"
"Shut up," Danielle interrupted Frank immediately.
Both men turned toward her. Her hands were folded tightly over her lap, knuckles looked pale from the pressure. "Don't replace him," she said again, this time more controlled, but her eyes were sending warning signals. "He's the only one who actually gives a damn."
