nna

und and brushed the

e harsh daylight, I retrieved my black leather satchel from the foot of my cot. It was a stark contrast

," Luca ord

for air, their hatred a palpable thin

arm, my touch a deliberate, c

dication in my bag,"

ight against me wit

id close attention to her body. She made a great show of her distress, her

renatal vitamins sat right on top of her makeup ba

tightened in my gut.

y satchel, letting my fingers close around t

tly to the Syndicate's encrypted communication server. Every Ca

the side, and a tiny vibrati

t washroom. The caustic smell of bl

e door," Lu

stripped of its tremulous fr

ap stall and slammed the metal d

ighest pressure. The loud rush of water echoed off the

nough to hide her abr

ed with false concern. "You sound ter

he running water. "Do not

ed through the humid air. It was followe

nst my ribs. I beat my fis

or right now or I am

and the door vio

he color of ash. Her hands we

less infant. The baby was entirely

had to clench my jaw to keep from gagging. I took a step ba

tely. A wicked, triumphant smile spread

whispered, her eyes wide and ma

ed myself to look terrified, to pla

lculated smirk tugged at

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