Halden's voice was dangerously quiet.
"You are not authorized to reference that," she said.
Jessica's pulse roared.
"Then stop playing games with me," Jessica snapped. "Tell me
what Ellie's assignment is."
Halden's gaze held hers.
The air in the corridor thickened.
The shadow moved closer.
Jessica felt the Collector's presence like pressure on the back of
her neck.
Halden spoke, calm but razor-edged.
"Ellie Vale is not available for disclosure," she said.
Jessica's voice broke with fury.
"She is my sister!"
Halden's gaze didn't soften.
"She is a stabilized outcome," Halden replied.
Jessica's hands trembled.
Micah grabbed Jessica's elbow, urgent now.
"Jess __ the corridor __"
Jessica didn't turn.
She could feel it.
The Collector was close enough now that the waiting r
