Sam forced himself to keep smiling as yet another auntie congratulated him on winning the Singh scholarship.

Kali took a long look at him, gave the auntie a sugary smile, and said, “It’s not good fortune; it’s constant work at the expense of any kind of life.”

Sam shook his head. “I don’t mind the work.” He really didn’t. Hard work had never bothered him, and he thought it would be fun to get to move at his own pace in school. The only thing he really didn’t like about his new schedule was not getting to see Eleanor—and his other friends.

Kali rolled her eyes. “Then why do you look so glum?”

“Truthfully? Because I’m pretty sure I didn’t earn this. Captain Mackey pretty much told me that he pulle...

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