Page 46 (1/2)

I grunt “Sounds like we’re gonna be having a shit ton of fun”

“I’ on it” He smiles “See what I did there?”

“Take my name in vain, yeah” The two of us co as alk

Once we reach the office, Akara raps his fist

“It’s open!”

I follow my boss inside

Coach Ryan Reed is seated behind aover a stack of papers Two buttons are undone at the top of his long-sleeved floral shirt, and his light brown hair has a draes in his ears

He’s twenty-nine

Just like me

I knew that before I walked in here, but if soe, I’d say he was a college student Not a head coach of a swim team

Feels backwards

Coach Reed pries his attention off his work “You both et your student IDs?”

“Have them, and we already talked with administration,” Akara says with the same friendly rapport “We just need to walk around the facility and chat with some of the swimmers”

I thread uard vibe, but while Akara talks, I’ the coach’s office

Covertly

No photos of kids or of a wife or husband Of course we did an extensive background check on Coach Reed before today

He’s not married

Verified and confirmed

But he could be in a long-term relationship Since he’s an “infrequent” socialpool pics) Ryan Reed isn’t a coh And I knoell and good that people harbor secrets

Whether or not he’s the kind of guy who’d shove a skeleton behind a wall—that’s yet to be determined All I know is that Sulli will be around hiilant

At first, quick glance, he appears ordinary

Coach Reed stands up “I can give you a tour”

“That’s kind but unnecessary,” Akara replies “It’ll be easier to get a feel for the space on our own”

He wavers for a beat His cautious stance throws me off

What does he have to be cautious about?

“Sullivan is safe here at Warwick The team is excited to have her on board, and so am I”

First impression: I don’t like him

Maybe it’s his unbuttoned shirt or perfectly styled hair or the fact that he looks iate swim coach

“That’s good to hear,” Akara nods, authority puncturing his words “Her safety is our first priority”