Chapter 16: Chapter 17

“So,” Nicolae asked when they were standing in the elevator. “Which is it? Anderson? Or Webb? I am confused.”

Dustin gritted his teeth. “It’s a long story.”

“Good then, that we have so much free time now.”

Dustin’s jaw muscles tightened further. “Both,” he said. “Anderson is my mother’s name and my father’s was Webb.”

“Was?”

“Yes.” And memories flooded Dustin’s mind: broken glass, pouring rain, blood. “Was.”

“I see.” Nicolae waited patiently and when nothing further was provided, “And the Anderson offends you?”

“Yes.” The tension grew in Dustin’s face. Nicolae shifted closer. “A conversation for another time, perhaps?”

I highly doubt it, Dustin thought. “Perhaps.”

The slight rumble of the elevator stopping and the sound of doors opening saved Dustin from further questioning. “Here,” he said. “Watch your step and to the left.”