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“Bryan?” Halli’s father calls to the reporter at the last minute. “If you would accompany us as well.”
I don’t know whether to be relieved or suspicious. I decide to go with relieved. Although I really wish he had asked Jake to come instead.
The four of us leave the dining hall and walk out to the base of the Grand Staircase.
Halli’s father motions toward the reporter. “Mr. Stewart here has made a request.”
“Seems like you’re off on a new odyssey, Miss Markham,” Bryan says. “I talked to my producer, and we’d like the exclusive on it. If you’re willing.”
“The exclusive . . . what?” I ask.
“Story,” he says. “They want to send me along. Fly-on-the-wall type of thing. I promise I won’t be intrusive. You’ll forget I’m there.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t . . . understand.”
Halli’s mother sig
