nt, metallic scent of bureaucracy. A tired-looking clerk with glasses pe

Both of you. B

Without a moment's hesitation, she wrote her name in the designated

noted she'd left the "Occupation" field blank for n

pen. In the box for his own occupation, he wrote

r. "Technician?" she whispered, a teasing note in h

ke a good impression on my new bride." He kept hi

impatiently. "Parents' full n

first exchange

spaces for her mother's and father's names, she wrote a single word: Deceased. For her

I'm an orphan," she said, her voice soft. "Grew up at S

and unreadable, as if trying to see the truth through a lie

nor Sterling for his parents. But in the address

w in mock surprise. "Sterling? That sound

money. And a bad relationship. Haven't spoken to the

asily verified, but severed any connection to it, painting himself as the black sheep, the

"Every family has its issues." Inside, her mind was a steel

otionally compelling and practically impossible

looked on with bored curiosity. They recited the simple, legally binding words, their voices devoid of any real em

document with a satisfying thud. "Congra

uick, dry peck on the lips. Her eyes, howeve

back, his mind already on h

ight, Caroline stretched her arms over her head like a cat. "Well,

ertificate she held, neatly filled in her p

amon asked, hi

Quick cash." The answer was perfectly aligne

us," he offered, testing her. "Un

, but I'm not the stay-at-home type. I like having my own money." She rein

ck. A moment of awkwardness hung between them. Wh

nd before he could answer, she turned and walk

his truck, he pulled out his burner phon

Orphan, St. Jude's Home. Run a

tes later a different person. The sundress was gone, replaced by jeans and a nondescript h

c in this day and age, but untraceab

earlier warmth. "Cover established. I am now Caroline Ste

success. Now, the r

-