Fresh Start was unusually quiet today, despite the cars packed into the parking lot. Elijah stepped away from the desk and took in the lobby with a practiced eye. Polished gray tile floors gleamed beneath sterile gray walls. A light flickered above Lisa’s desk near the front door, and the air smelled faintly of citrus cleaner—too strong, too recent.

The environment feels and smells like the culture, he thought.

A place trying hard to present well. But something underneath was fraying.

He looked out the front window and saw Amara making her way up the path, a rolling suitcase in one hand and a purse in the other.

He chuckled to himself and went to open the door for her. Amara moved through the world with easy confidence, as if every space naturally made room for her. She kept her life carefully structured, her straight black hair parted with deliberate precision, her familiar hoop earrings and well-worn digital watch part of her daily uniform. She was the team’s anchor, always guiding them back on course when things began to drift.

“Thanks,” she said, walking inside. “You’re here earlier than I expected.”

She set down her suitcase and checked her watch. “It’s only 8:28. Figured you wouldn’t be here until 8:45 or so.”

“Trevor called.”

“Uh oh,” she groaned. “What’s up?”

“Not sure yet.” Elijah lowered his voice, a sly grin tugging at his lips. “Have you met Lisa, Fresh Start’s new executive assistant?”

Amara’s mouth fell open slightly. “You’re kidding. A third Lisa?”

Elijah’s grin widened. “Come say hello.”

They approached the desk.

“Lisa, this is Ama—”

“Elijah!” Trevor shouted across the room, his voice equal parts relief and irritation.

Elijah turned to face him and held up his finger. “One moment.”

He returned his attention to Lisa, who was now tapping the coffee mug with her finger. “Allow me to introduce you to Amara.”

Lisa offered a quick smile before glancing nervously down the hallway. “I’m sure we’ll have more time to talk later. The CEO is waiting.”

Amara appeared unhurried. “I’m glad we met,” she said warmly. “I hope you enjoy your time here.”

Trevor appeared beside them, making both women flinch. He offered a half-hearted apology. “This is my new assistant.”

Trevor looked like he hadn’t slept well. His sandy hair, short, side-swept, and neatly buzzed at the temples, was slightly out of place, and the dark blue of his eyes seemed unusually stark this morning.

A brief, tense silence settled over the group.
“Let’s meet in my office,” Trevor ordered, already striding down the hall.

“It’s too early in the morning for whatever this is about to be,” Amara whispered just loud enough for Elijah to hear.

She and Elijah shared a quiet laugh, then followed him.

Trevor pushed open the office door, then stopped short after glancing back at Amara. His eyes narrowed as he stepped into the doorway, blocking it. “Not you, Amara. I asked for him.” His voice was cold.

Amara arched an eyebrow, unimpressed. She didn’t move an inch or say a word.

“Look. It’s not personal,” Trevor said, though the words were unconvincing. “Before I agreed to hire One Shot, Brenda assured me that Elijah can keep things quiet. She didn’t say anything about you. Unfortunately, today is not the day for me to test you.”

“Test me?” Amara repeated, her light brown complexion flushed, as irritation flashed across her otherwise steady expression.

“Trevor,” Elijah cut in gently. “I can’t say I’ve ever seen you this upset. What happened?”

Trevor looked between them for a moment, then grumbled, “Close the door.”
‍

You have reached the end of this sneak peek.