Lex:
Fuck. I didn’t think about that. I dropped the ball.
Me:
No, you didn’t. You treated her like she was in WITSEC because that’s what you know.
Juliette:
I don’t think she fits the criteria for some of the shelters I’m seeing. Does she have savings? Can we help get her set up in a place?
Me:
I have no idea. I’d rather help her since we’ve been holding her here for so long.
Woodcroft:
Get her set up with a place. I’ll pay for first and last months.
Me:
I can handle it if you can find me a place.
Woodcroft:
Just set it up. We can figure out logistics later.
Juliette:
On it.
There. At least one more thing I can help her with. My team never fails to back each other up. One ask, and it’s done.
With more solutions comes more clarity, and I slip into a restless sleep before the sun fully rises.
I wake up slowly. My eyes blink open to see the blinding sun coming through the windows.
Once my eyes focus, I see Claire lying on the couch with her Kindle.
“Morning,” I rasp.
“Good afternoon.” She smiles over the device.
“Damn, sorry I slept so late.” My hand swipes down my face as I sit up.
“You needed it. I have a feeling you didn’t actually sleep last night.”
I give her a sheepish grin but don’t answer her.
“You hungry? I have a sandwich made in the fridge.” She nods to the kitchen.
“That’d be great. Thank you for making that.” I’m up before she can untangle herself from the blanket and grab the food she made for me. “I do have something to talk to you about.”
“Uh-oh. I’m being kicked out.” She gives me a sad smile.
“Absolutely not. You’re welcome here as long as you need. But, uh …” I run my hand across my neck. “I saw your list.”
Her eyes shift to the notebook on the makeshift table.
