This phone call from Iris Mitchell came unexpectedly.
Especially when she mentioned her birthday party in the phone call, something Mikel Anderson had agreed to attend on her behalf without her knowledge.
Later, in order to get Cynthia Taylor's contact info from Iris, she verbally promised Iris that she would attend her birthday party.
Whether she would go or not, Lyra Smith hadn't decided yet.
Of course, this decision meant she would go herself, instead of letting Mikel Anderson go in her place.
Or, she could go without revealing her identity.
Because she really wanted to know what would happen on Iris's birthday and why her brother and his companions had been preparing for so long.
Also.
Would something happen to Mikel Anderson that day?
The more she thought about it, the more confused and concerned Lyra's expression became.
...
Erwin Jackson, who was below, occasionally looked up at Lyra and watched her back and surroundings, guarding against any danger approaching her.