ing into the New York traffic. Cleo stood alone at the hospital entrance, a statue

rting to bruise. A dull throb pulsed from it, but

"Axel" flashed

a second before

e to Isabelle in person." His voice was cold, devoid

, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. He hadn't even

hailed a yellow cab and gave a different add

ab, she sent Axel a

ns have damaged the Beaumont name, we can init

ff her phone. Leaning back against the worn seat,

darkened into a mask of fury. He threw the phone

autiously. "Axel, is s

glinting with a dangerous light. It was the f

ience. Cleo paid the driver and wa

was underway. She was the simultaneous interprete

er headset, and adjusted the microphone. The noise of the world faded awa

ed Mr. Wright, gave her a nod. "Ready,

er voice calm and confident.

pert's speech was rapid-fire, pa

t the speaker's mouth, a smooth, precise English translation flowed fr

eccable. She navigated the most complex senten

a thumbs-up. "Cleo, you're one of the best I've ev

your interpretation was outstanding, far beyond our expectations. We have a conference in

wrist and the humiliation in her heart seemed to fade,

s she not the pitied "Mrs. Beaumont," but Cleo

ed out of the Hall of Science at dusk, the setting sun painted the city