Chapter 13 - Chapter 12

# Chapter 12
AYANDA

Justice is waiting for me as I barge into my cubicle in a heap of unbrushed hair hazardously tied up in a messy bun. My mustard scarf is two seconds away from slipping from my neck, my cheeks burn from the cold outside, and my chapped lips are in desperate need of lip balm. It's on my desk somewhere, hidden beneath news clippings, discarded paper cups, and stray pens.

"Running late?"

I ignore Justice's smug smirk as I slip past him and flop onto the chair, finally allowing myself five seconds to breathe. Mxolisi would have my head if he knew I was late. I already can't do anything right.

Apparently, my column isn't juicy enough. Those were his words. I don't know what the heck he wants from me.

Though that's not true.

He wants me to hang Vusi out to dry. Paint him like a monster for the world to see, but I refuse to do that.

It's a fine line to walk. Mxolisi could pull me from the project at a moment's notice and hand it over to Justice. The man who's currently leaning with his shoulder against the cubicle wall is salivating for the chance to take over my story.

My only leverage is knowing Vusi asked for me.

Not Justice or anyone else.

Me.

My treacherous little heart swells on cue and grows too big for my tight chest.

"Where did you go yesterday?"

Of course, he's still here.

The look I level him with is anything but impressed as I roll my head on the back of the desk chair. "Field research."

"Field research?" His eyebrows hit his hairline.

I drum my fingers on the armrests, popping the P when I reply, "Yep."

"Is that all I'm getting?"