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million more questions to ask, but I could tell Meredith was already worked up.
    She would have to be to call the agency “unstable.” Looking around at the stone walls, I had never seen anything more solid in my life.
    A few minutes passed before Genevieve rounded the corner. I had known she was important before, but now that Meredith told me how important, the sight of her caused me to sit up straighter. Genevieve’s rainbow hair was perfectly curled, and her wizened brown eyes crinkled when she smiled. She looked like a modern-day Mrs. Claus in her red business suit. Mrs. Claus, if she ditched Santa, dyed her hair, and took on the most powerful job in the world.
    She held out her arms. “Thank you for waiting. So sorry I wasn’t here sooner.”
    Meredith stood and air kissed Genevieve. Next, Genevieve turned to me and gave me a delicate hug, her vanilla-and-cinnamon scent clinging to me long after she’d let go. “Desi. Welcome back. Did you have a nice break? Anything exciting in…is it Montana?”
    “Idaho.” I glanced at Meredith to make sure it was all right to correct someone so much higher up. “And I just started school a few weeks back.”
    “Oh, how fun! I always loved my adolescent studies. Although, BEST proved to be as essential. And since you’re here, you’ve obviously completed your tasks for your next client, yes?”
    I nodded.
    “Then that will allow us to focus on you today and what your skills are as a sub.”
    “Oh, so you’re doing the initiation today? I’m…I’m honored.”
    “I take all our Level Twos to Dorshire Hall,” Genevieve said. “It’s one of my favorite traditions at Façade.”
    “Thank you. Are you sure you’re not too busy?”
    “Time. Pish.” Genevieve patted my hand. “You forget, we have all the time in the world. Little company perk. The Law of Duplicity means we don’t age as quickly.”
    The Law of Duplicity was Façade’s version of time travel. I didn’t understand the science (or magic) behind the law, but Façade was able to magically manipulate time so that my home life practically stood still while I was away subbing. When I came home, time played out like I had been in two places at once. Sometimes my return was a second or two off, but otherwise…Blows my mind. “So the bubble traveling makes you age slower?”
    “Seemingly, yes. The right skin creams also help.”
    “Well, I’ll be going, then,” Meredith said. “You’re in for an absolute treat, Desi. Dorshire Hall is one of a kind. Meet me over in the Glamourification Studio when you’re done—it’s across from Central Command.”
    Genevieve looped her arm through mine and led me up a small staircase as Meredith hurried in another direction. “Now, Dorshire privileges are extended to high-level agents and council members, but we make a special exception for our subs when they start a new level. I like to get to know my girls. A thank-you for working so hard at Façade.”
    Two French doors opened when we reached the top of the staircase. A graying man shaped like a sideways football bowed and cleared his throat. “Your table is ready, Madame Genevieve.” He then turned to me and appraised my still-damp shakespeare rocketh shirt and jeans. “I see your guest will need to be properly attired.”
    “Please, Bosworth,” Genevieve said.
    Bosworth bowed again and swept his hand for us to enter. The reception area was dark with wood walls. Immediately to the right was a coat closest.
    No, a dress closest.
    There were hundreds of dresses in every size and fashion. Bosworth motioned with his nose to a rack. “Your size, I presume. Pick what you like.”
    Meredith wasn’t kidding. Level Two was packed with perks.

Chapter
5
    I rummaged through the racks and came out with a simple black boatneck dress that looked just like the one Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s . Genevieve nodded her approval. “Bosworth will provide you with shoes. You may change and meet me at