“Delicate?” she grins. “I’ve never been called that before.”
My brow furrows. “Youaredelicate.”
“Thank you for thinking that I am,” she responds, then tries the stew. Her eyes close in pleasure. “Oh my gosh, this is delicious. The venison is so tender.”
Pride swells in my chest. “Good.”
We eat in comfortable silence as Dinah weaves between the table legs, meowing occasionally. I consume three bowls of stew and Anna eats a bowl and a half. She tries to give the kitten a small piece of leftover meat. Dinah devours it and wants more immediately.
Then Anna’s phone buzzes.
She checks it while clearing the table. “Oh, it’s from Drew. She’s the one I met yesterday when we first arrived.” My female reads the message and smiles. “Drew’s inviting me to meet some of the women for coffee and conversation at her cabin.”
I rinse a bowl. “I’ve known Drew Overlook for years now. She’s a female you might have much in common with. You’ll like spending more time with her and the others.”
“You don’t mind if I go and visit them tomorrow?”
“Meeting with them is an excellent idea. You need to build connections here and they can help you learn how to order anything you might need.”
“Good point.” Anna texts back, accepting the meeting. “She says we meet at 10 am tomorrow.”
“Perfect. I’ll make sure you get there.”
My phone buzzes. I check the screen and find a text from Kelt.Patrols doubled. Perimeter secure. New motion sensors installed at three access points. No suspicious activity. Will check in every 6 hours.
I tap out an answer.Good. Keep me updated immediately if anything changes.
Another text arrives from Jonus, this time via our group text:Contacted the whistleblower lawyer. Rebecca Stein. Meeting set for next week via secure video. She’s reviewing the evidence files remotely now and will have preliminary assessment in 3-4 days.
Excellent work,I reply.Keep me in the loop.
Aldar adds a response to the group text.Evidence uploaded to secure server and encrypted with military-grade protection. Lawyer has access. No one else can breach it. Physical drives locked in Rogan’s safe.
Perfect. Thank you,I respond.
Anna notices me texting. “Everything okay?”
“Yes. Updates on your case.”
I scoop up Dinah and sit next to my female and show her the group text. We talk together about the lawyer, the security measures and the evidence being protected with encryption and locked away.
Relief washes over her face. “It’s really happening.”
“Yes. The machine is in motion. In two to three weeks, this goes public.” I reach out, squeeze her hand. “And then you’re free.”
My phone buzzes again with another text from Kelt:Need you at security office for an hour to review updated patrol routes. Maps are easier in person.
I look at Anna, uncertain. “I need to go for awhile for a security meeting with Kelt and Urdan.”
“Oh really? Well…do I need to be there too?”
I think about it for a moment. “No. We’ll be looking at maps of the commune. You could stay here if you want, or you can come with me if you feel uncomfortable at the thought of staying here alone. Either way is fine, it is up to you.”
“I feel safe here and I think I’d rather stay with Dinah if that’s okay, since she’s new to the house and I can keep her company.”
I hand the kitten over. “I won’t be long.”
At Kelt’soffice near the Grand Lodge, I find maps spread out on the table. Patrol routes are marked in different colors.
