The man strode into Hawthorne Rehabilitation Center, stood in front of Eleanor, and turned to the two guards.
"You can't be this rude to a lady."
The guards instinctively stepped back. The man turned, smiling, and extended a hand to Eleanor.
"Hello, Ms. Hale. Derek Vane."
Eleanor didn't take his hand. "How do you know my name?"
Derek withdrew it, slipping both hands into his pockets, casual.
"I know more than just your name. I know you have a friend named Lauren Reyes, a voice teacher at New Future Training Academy."
Eleanor's brow furrowed harder. This man had clearly come with an agenda.
"Who exactly are you? What do you want?"
Derek shrugged, smiling. "Walk with me, Ms. Hale? I can't stand places like this makes me feel like a patient myself."
She was still hesitating when he
