Chapter 11
Volik
Voices lower to whispers as I walk through the center of the commons.
The food court is full of clashing smells. Too many people. Too much noise.
I never come here. Have never set foot in this building.
But I had to.
I had to come this way.
I stop, standing in the center of the giant room. Tables on one side of me. Groups of people purchasing their lunch on the other.
Breathing in, I try to follow that scent.
But it still doesn’t taste like anything. I still can’t find it in the air.
I know how I look. Dressed all in black. Tense. Jaw clenched. Hands fisted.
I look aggressive.
Students already have phones aimed at me.
Videos are already being recorded.
I should relax.
Leave.
Apologize.
Say something.
But I cannot.
Will not.
I inhale again.
Then I turn toward the side exit.
Something tells me to go this way.
I…
The air buzzes against my skin.
Heat crawls up my spine.
My nostrils flare.
And I close my eyes.