“New place?"
“Second floor. Big windows."
“Tea with your mother?"
“Nine, every morning. She brings the deeper red."
Elaine ticked boxes on the tablet like a ballerina tapping beats. “Laptop behaving?"
“Like it knows who owns it," Caroline said.
“Good. Thorne at ten. You at eleven with Ops. Two press inquiries—ignored. Board wants a briefing—tomorrow. Dress is back from tailoring—blade remains blade."
Caroline nodded. “Thank you."
“Use as needed," Elaine said, and ghosted toward the elevator.
The apartment door shut on quiet. Steam from the kettle drifted toward the window. Caroline sipped, looked at the river, and ignored the phone vibrating face-down on the sill.
It vibrated again. Again. She didn't touch it.
A text finally stacked on the lock screen that made her set the cup d
