Anna's POV:

I fold the letter along its original crease and put it in my drawer.

Claire is still standing at the edge of my desk with her hands clasped and the expression of someone who has already decided which side of this she's on and wants me to know it quietly.

"If you need anything," she says. Quiet. Direct.

"Thank you," I say.

She goes. My phone buzzes — Karl. *Parked on the east side. Ready when you are.* I ...