CHAPTER 26

The next morning I came carefully from my suite, unsure what to expect after last night's tense standoff with Agatha. Part of me wondered if she had already left in anger at my defiance.

But the smell of fresh coffee drew me toward the kitchen. There I found Agatha sitting casually at the counter, scanning news headlines on her tablet as if nothing were wrong.

She glanced up as I entered, one perfect eyebrow raised. "There are fresh croissants if you'd like some," she said kindly as if we were merely polite roommates.

I paused, caught off guard by the way she behaved after our fight just last night. Agatha's composure gave no hints, and I fought to get straight.

"Uh, sure thanks," I managed, moving slowly to the counter piled high with flaky golden cakes. My hunger defeated nervousness as I snagged one and took a bite. Still warm, and delicious.

Agatha smiled smugly over her coffee cup at my obvious pleasure. "I had them brought from the best bakery in the city. Only the best, of cour