It took a total of twelve minutes before Lacey called. Jack answered immediately, relief flooding through him as he heard her voice on the other end.
"You got in safe?" Jack inquired over the phone, his concern evident in his voice.
"Yeah, sorry it took me so long to call," Lacey's voice came through the phone, slightly breathless. "I got winded walking up the stairs. Also a little lightheaded, so I had to slow down and take a breather on the fourth floor. But I'm in. Call me when you're on your way back to pick me up."
"Are you sure you're ready to get back to work?" Jack's concern seeped into his words, mingling with a hint of guilt for pushing her to return so soon.
"I'll be fine," Lacey's reassurance echoed through the line, her voice colored with determination despite her breathle
