“I had nothing to do with the abduction at all,” said Brendan. “But you won’t believe me if I say that, will you?”

The mirthless self-mockery in his tone was so stark even Deirdre felt her heart droop. Doubt crawled into her chest like an invasion of ants—she clenched her hands into fists as a burst of desire to leave seized her.

He was back at it again. Back to that idiotic, wounded, “woe is me” pretense. Would he ever quit!? If she stayed any longer, she might just fall for it and be scammed by that stupid innocent look he was making.

“Excuse me.”

With that, she marched out of the room.

Deirdre helped herself with the help of the wall until she felt her chest finally relaxing and she could breathe again. She closed her eyes.

She opened them as soon as she finally regained the strength to stand. Remembering where the elevator was, she headed in its direction. There were others inside, and they asked her where to go. She replied through her pale lips, “The ground floor, thanks.