"But you already knew that much," you continue.
"So was it a warning?"
You rub your eyes. They feel raw and wet.
"Yes. A warning," you say.
"Are you in danger?" she asks.
"Well, sure. It's a dangerous job."
"So what's the next step?" she asks.
"I go back to Chalidah's."
"What for?"
You pause. Should you tell her? She deserves to know, after everything.
"There's something I need to tell you."
She takes a deep breath. This woman seems to be able to take anything in stride. As if nothing can surprise her. "Okay," she says.
"Lori is alive."
She looks at you for a long moment before nodding. "I knew it," she says. "I've always known." She rubs her hand.
Does she regret getting close to you?
Is that relief on her face? Or guilt?
"Thank you," she says after a while. "I was right to trust you with this."
"Do you have any friends you could stay with? I don't think they're going to bother you at home, but it might be a good idea to stay away for a day or two," you say. "Better safe than sorry and all that."
"Yes," she says. "I've got people. I'll be okay."
You stand up. That's it, then. Time to go. Get on with it. Whatever it turns out to be.
"Good luck," Selena says as you walk out.
Luck. As if that's got anything to do with it.
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