Half-Truths and Misdirection

Ashleigh was shocked and confused. She had no idea Alice had trained wolves to interact directly with humans. All this time, she thought that she had been the one to bring Alice back, that she knew exactly what was going on, but really, she had no idea.

“You and Axel lied to me,” Ashleigh said quietly.

Alice shook her head.

“No,” she said. “He told you I returned to work, as you suggested. And I did, just not in the way you suggested.”

Ashleigh rolled her eyes.

“More half-truths and misdirection,” she sighed.

“Half-truth and misdirection are all you’ve ever expected of me,” Alice smiled. “All you were ever willing to believe.”

Ashleigh looked at Alice and saw the smile, but she also saw the slight disappointment in it. She swallowed and nodded.

“Fair point,” she said softly.

Ashleigh took a deep breath and sat back on the couch. She had learned far more than she expected today.

“Maybe it’s time we start over,” she said softly. “A clean slate.”