He caught me staring. “Do I have something on my face?” I tapped my finger against my mouth. “I’m thinking.” Mr. Hayes waited. At last, it came to me. “You’ve dropped the cynicism.” “What?” He looked at me warily. “I’m not cynical.” I stepped closer to him, and he stiffened at my deliberate approach. “You’re not fooling me. Not even for a minute.” Mr. Hayes straightened away from me, and his demeanor changed with every subtle correction. Retreating behind the wall he used to keep the demons at bay. His tanned hand reached for his flask and pulled a long sip. “I have no idea what you’re talking
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