Walter sat at the front desk of One PPG Place with his usual newspaper. I don't even know if he knew what happened.

"Morning, Miss Grimm," he muttered never looking up.

"Morning, Walter," I muttered back in the same tone. He seemed to like people who weren't loud or happy...ever.

A few other people were standing huddled, waiting for the elevators with cups of coffee and their expensive, wool coats. It all seemed so pointless. Any one of them could be next. I mean, how many own red-hooded jackets, or sweaters?

I stood near the back of the crowded elevator listening to the music and ding of new floors. People slowly filed off at each floor, none of them ever speaking, and a few just looking at the red number change. I was last off. The only one heading to the thirty-ninth floor as usual. I stood at the end of the hall staring at the large glass doors. I could see the reception desk, but no Blanche. It was an empty area. This was the first time I missed her eye rolling and piss-poor attitude.

Why am I even upset? She as a horrendous bitch! A horrendous bitch who was some man-wolf things late afternoon snack.

The office seemed different. It was so quiet. I almost felt bad for not trying harder to be nice to the girl. I felt guilty and horrible about what happened not even twenty-four hours before. The chair behind the reception desk was empty. No bottle blonde chewing her gum like a cow, no magazines, just an empty chair and organized desk. I paused for a moment and stared at it. It was just too organized. I reached over to the pen holder and took one out, and scattered a few plain sheets of paper around. Too bad I did not have a magazine to lay there. I made my way back to my office and just sat down. The in-box was even bigger than it had been the day before.

I didn't look at the clock. I sat in the dark. I was so lost in my thoughts I didn't even hear Belinda open my door.

"Elysse."

"Hmm?" I said absentmindedly.

"Are you alright?"

"Oh, yes, Miss Hexe."

"Did you know your light was off?" she asked.

"I didn't even realize it."

She flipped the switch, and the iridescent light flooded my area.

"Are you any good at writing?" she asked.

"Yeah, I suppose so. Why?"

"I need you to write up an ad for a receptionist," she said casually, as though her last receptionist had quit without notice and wasn't eaten by some man-wolf.

"What?"

"Well, I need a receptionist. I can't run this office myself. Write up an ad, and take it to the Post for me," she said riffling through papers.

"Now?"

She looked up at me with a somewhat puzzled look.

"I'm sorry, Miss Hexe; it's just, with what happened..." I let my voice trail off.

She lowered the papers, and I swear her expression softened a little, "It's tragic what happened to Blanche, but work doesn't stop because one person dies. The office keeps going."

"Right. I'll get that ad written up for you."

After she left the room I got up to go to the kitchen. I knew it was going to be a coffee-fueled day.

"Elysse?"

"I'm not talking to you, Connor," I whispered.

"You have to talk to me."

I whipped my head around and glared at him, "No I do not!"

I opened the door to my office and stormed in. Before he could follow me, I slammed it. Leaning my head against the warm wood, I just listened. Connor's footsteps echoed down the hall as he retreated to his own office. The windows in the tiny room were the same as Belinda's. Wall to wall and ceiling to floor. The view really made up for the cramped quarters. The glowing computer screen was hypnotizing. All I could do was sit and stare at the blinking cursor. How was I supposed to write an ad for Blanche's position? I felt like complete scum.

Heartless lawyer seeking new receptionist. Previous employee eaten by a fucking fairy tale. I quickly hit the backspace key. I doubted the Post-Gazette would publish that.

I began tapping away at the keys again. I may not have liked Blanche, but that didn't mean I had a heart of stone. Sure I wished her teased, blonde hair would fall out, or a bird would shit on her head, but what happened to her was so horrible. It was misery writing the ad. Poor Blanche wasn't even buried yet, and here I am looking for her replacement. I decided that keeping it nice and short would be best. The bare minimum was all I needed. If I didn't dwell on the task at hand, I would be okay. Well, the bare minimum without the sick sarcasm.

My mind can be so inappropriate.

I turned on the printer, and listened to it hum to life. The warm paper was out in a few seconds. I got up, and opened my door just enough to see Connor's door. Thankfully it was closed. I grabbed my coat and crept to Belinda's office.

"I'm going to the Post," I whispered as loudly as I dared.

"What?" she shouted back.

I grimaced and looked at his door, "I'm taking the ad to the Post-Gazette."

"Alright. Take a lunch break after," her irritated voice floated out from under the thick door.

"Sure. Thanks."

I turned and high-tailed it to the front door. This was getting ridiculous. There was no reason I needed to sneak around the office. I did nothing wrong. If anybody should be avoiding anybody, Connor should be avoiding me. Or at least apologizing.

Men!

I held my breath as an icy blast of winter wind punched me in the face. Instantly my eyes closed, and I buried my face in the jacket. The short walk to the Post building was going to be torture.

"Elysse!"

I stopped, and looked over my shoulder; Connor was running after me.

"You have got to be kidding me! Can't you take a hint? Didn't I slam the door hard enough in your face?" I screamed at him.

"Quit acting like a baby. As much as you want to ignore this, you can't. It's happening, and you're involved," he yelled back.

"No, you stop acting like a creepy psycho! You and my mother are insane! Do you hear me? Insane!"

"Then how do you explain the wolf?" he asked.

"A hallucination."

"And Blanche?"

"A terrible tragedy caused by some stray dog. Now, if you don't mind, I have an ad to deliver."

"I'm coming with you," he said.

"Why? I don't want you coming with me."

"Oh well. I don't care."

"Why are you so psycho?" I asked throwing my arms in the air.

"Why are you stubborn?"

I just turned and started walking away, I didn't need a babysitter.

***

Hey everybody!

What about all of that?? I mean...wow.

And Belinda is really heartless. Geez.

If you liked the chapter, remember to vote, comment and share!

<3