Like we’re both waiting for the other to disappear.
“They have him,” he says finally. “Multiple agencies. No way out this time.”
“Good,” I whisper.
It’s not satisfaction.
It’s release.
“They’re calling it the largest coordinated exposure of institutional corruption in modern history.”
I let out a slow breath.
“That sounds… big.”
“It is.”
His eyes stay on me.
Watching.
Checking.
Making sure I’m still here.
“And you’re not under arrest anymore.”
My breath catches.
Sharp.
Unexpected.
“They dropped everything,” he continues. “Public apology. Full reversal. They’re calling you a whistleblower.”
I shake my head slightly.
“That’s not what I am.”
“I know.”
His voice softens.
“But it’s what keeps you free.”
I nod.
Because right now—
free matters more than accurate.
Silence settles between us again.
Not empty.
Full.
Then—
