Malia sat in her car outside a small, nondescript café, her fingers tapping against the steering wheel. Reaching out to Anthony Reed, her former mentor, was a last resort. Their falling out years ago had been messy, and she wasn't sure he'd even agree to meet, let alone help. But with Evelyn's attacks mounting, she had no other choice.
She took a deep breath and stepped out, steeling herself for whatever was to come.
Anthony was already seated when she entered, his tall frame slouched slightly in the chair, his salt-and-pepper hair giving him an air of authority that hadn't diminished with age. He glanced up as she approached, his expression unreadable.
"Malia Carter," he said as she slid into the seat across from him. "It's been a while."
"Too long," she admitted, folding her hands on the table.
He raised an eyebrow. "I have to say, I was surprised to get your call. After how things ended…"