From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 48

Daniel had been talking non–stop, and his throat felt dry. Glancing around the room, he asked, “Hey Sherman, got any bottled water in this joint?”

It wasn’t that he had anything against sipping a cup of coffee.

It’s just that Sherman was particular about his stuff, especially his coffee gear.

And it wasn’t just the coffee gear. Sherman didn’t like anyone touching his things, not even his mother.

Sherman was an odd duck. He was a loose cannon in his younger days, but his temper had mellowed out a bit since he took to that unworldly lifestyle and went vegan.

But the quirk about his stuff stayed put.

Sherman fished out a bottle of water from a drawer and tossed it to Daniel, who caught it with a

thankful nod.

“Look, if those detectives downtown can’t dig anything up, hand it to the International Department,” Sherman said, leaning back in his chair.

“Got it.” Daniel replied, his mind already churning with plans.

message on

giving Daniel the silent treatment, a move that caused a sinking feeling in

still sore about being unfriended last

unfriend you last time. It was a slip of the thumb. I swear it. Let bygones be bygones, yeah? I’m waiting for your mercy here!”

“Ace…”

but Ace remained as responsive as a

flipped over to the forum page, only to see that it was

starstruck they’d even prefixed their handles with Phoenix.

to return to a barrage of

But Anthea wasn’t one to sweat the small stuff. With a flick of her finger, she replied

Daniel thought his eyes were playing tricks. After rubbing them vigorously

1/2

a saint, Ace! Say, can we

life separate, Anthea replied, “We

typical Ace, cool as

through Anthea’s

into something more presentable, and headed to the living room.