The rain starts as a whisper.

I don't move from the bench. Let the drops soak into my clothes.

Nicole is silent. Empty.

'Alexander gave them money. Thousands. Without asking me.'

My phone vibrates. His name lights up the screen.

I turn it off. Shove it in my bag.

The mental bond hums at the edge of my consciousness. His concern bleeding through.

I slam the walls up. Block him ...