[84] Not Just Passing Through

Xavier stepped out of the administrative building, squinting against the midday sun. He slipped on his new sunglasses he got from Ashley. 

I'll have to pay her back for this some day…

The meeting with Vanessa had been unexpected—both her casual demeanor and her obvious awareness of his activities. The fact that she seemed more annoyed by the paperwork than his actual fight was a pleasant surprise.

"Xavier!"

He turned to see Calypso emerge from behind a large crystal sculpture of the academy's founder.

"Were you hiding behind that statue?" Xavier asked.

"No," Calypso said, too quickly. "Maybe. Yes." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I saw Dominic Black leave right after you entered."

Xavier's jaw tightened. "You should stay away from him."