I had a comeback loaded. It died on the word move.
"You're starting to talk like a military handbook."
"That was a compliment."
I tried to roll my eyes. I was too tired to nail the angle.
______
Twenty minutes after he left, three fists hit the door again, in Priya's signature rhythm. Then her, Bex, and Sonia poured in clutching a snack bag the size of a small child.
"Sentinel's orders," Priya announced, dumping the bag on the coffee table. "We are here to, and I quote, keep you company. He gave us vouchers."
"He what."
"Premium ration vouchers," Sonia clarified, fanning three silver-foiled cards. "One each. Like he was tipping."
"Direct quote," Bex added. "She needs people who know her. Come. Seven words. Then he walked off without eye contact."
I closed my eyes. Of course he di
