Page 48 of Sins of Innocence

"She knows you work for me?"

"Not that you're my boss specifically, but Áine knows I work for Harborline Security. She thinks I specialize in logistics for cargo movement."

"You are in logistical support."

"Yeah, but I specialize in hacking and the cargo we protect doesn't make it on any of the shipping manifests." McLaren gives me a wink. "My bestie thinks I've given up my bad old ways. I guess she'll learn different now, huh?"

ON COMMS, UNMUTED

Kieran: Is Sadie going to school today?

Áine: You realize it is 6:30 am?!!! 🥱

Kieran: You're awake.

Áine: Maybe I was sleeping and the text notification woke me up.

Kieran: …

Áine: Fine. I'm awake but I need ☕😵‍💫

Kieran: I'll stop and get some on the way. What do you want?

Áine: You're coming here? Now? 😲⁉️

Kieran: Are you always this dramatic before you've had your coffee?

Áine: …

Áine: …

Áine: I'm not dramatic.

Kieran: Your emojis and excessive use of !s would say otherwise.

Áine: Everybody uses emojis, except for you apparently.

Kieran: ☕🤔?

Áine: Cute. I'll take a double shot vanilla latte with extra foam.

Kieran: What about your mom and the girls?

Áine: Mom likes her tea in the mornings, but not herbal.

Kieran: Black tea. Got it.

Áine: I don't let the girls drink caffeine, but they all like steamers or hot cocoa.

Kieran: 👍

Áine: Why are you coming over so early?

Kieran: It's my job.

Áine: Coming to my house with hot beverages at the 🍑🌄 (butt crack of dawn if you were wondering) is your job?

Kieran: Watching out for you all.