Chapter Fourteen

Fred's back was to Elijah while he spoke with the receptionist. Elijah overheard the receptionist telling Fred that she needed to confirm his appointment. He sighed and mentally braced himself for what he was sure was going to come from Fred. He moved closer to the desk and coughed gently, announcing his presence to the two unaware people.

Fred was the first to turn in his direction. Fred began to snicker immediately their eyes met. He rested his elbow on the counter and leaned on the desk, his eyes roaming over Elijah's clothes before speaking. "So because you threw on a borrowed jacket on an obviously borrowed outfit, you think you can waltz in here like you own the place? Whatever happened at EM Mall cannot happen here, I'm sure of that."

Elijah clenched and unclenched his teeth as returned Fred's stare. From the corner of his eye, he could see the receptionist's hands were caught in the middle of a call. She had paused when she heard Fred degrading him, the stranger, whose name s