Jared hesitated a moment longer before Crew's voice, much softer and without the harshness of before, agreed.

"It's an option," he said. "Though, again, we're thin on staff." I turned to find him squinting at the crowd, shaking his head a little. "I can't promise protection from vandalism."

"It's fine," Carmen said, lips a narrow line, "don't worry about that." She looked up at Aiden who nodded, smiling faintly. Her face brightened and she grinned at me. ...