Gibs

ack to the Al

I used for work-related travel. Within minutes, I had booked a short-term lease on a one-bedroom apartment in a high-security residentia

myself into a sterile, modern

ed against it, finally letting out the breath

ully clothed, and stared at the blank ceil

you be more

ensation pricked at the

Kaleb, in his car. Cynthia beside him. She was helping him org

covering hers. His voice, a low and impossibly gentle murmur, echoed

o be protected from even t

oned his suits, managed his

fa cushion beside me, sta

d instantly grounding. It was Eleanor Fin

reathed, my ow

and rented an apartment downtown." Eleanor and her late husband had set up a foundatio

felt the first crack in my icy composure. A lump formed i

ow... the lab is always here for you. Dr. Finc

eanor," I whis

-ceiling window. The city spread out below me, a gli

s, one I thought had been ex

missed calls and angry texts from Kaleb. He had discovered I was gon

ed his

ed up. "Ma'am, there's a Mr. Kaleb Slate

list," I said calmly. "

and, ma'am. He's... inv

house," I replied, my voice firm. "Y

re enough, down on the str

for a long,

ns, shutting out

d laptop, and opened it. The screen came to life