“This line of work demands quick reflexes, real fighting skills, thinking on your feet— and you have to protect your charge like it''s more precious than your own life," Calliope exined. "Vivian is outstanding at all of it. And honestly, women can be more attentive to detail than some of the guys in this field. That''s why she''s made such a name for herself."


    Portia nodded. “Yeah, it really shows. She seems pretty incredible."


    Vivian reappeared, having finished gathering her gear. "What are you two chatting about?" she asked as she came over.


    "We were just saying how impressive you are," Calliope replied with a grin. "Portia didn''t expect you to be this cool—or a woman.”


    Vivianughed. “Plenty of women out there run circles around useless men. Callie''s a woman too-way tougher than I am!"


    Portiaughed. “I''ll back that up!”


    "She''s always been a rockstar, and just a great person," Vivian agreed as she leaned against the doorframe. She took out a pack of cigarettes, shook a couple loose, then offered them across. "Either of you want one?"


    "I''ll pass," Calliope said with a smile.


    "I don''t smoke,” Portia replied, shaking her head.


    Vivian shrugged off their refusals, lighting one for herself. "You don''t mind, right?" she asked.


    "Go for it," Calliope said.


    The three of them lingered by the door, Vivian puffing quietly while she and Calliope exchanged a few words. Portia stood with them inpanionable silence, not wanting to intrude.


    When the cigarette was finished, Vivian waved a goodbye. "I''m off! Next round of drinks is on you."


    “Deal,” Calliope replied warmly. “Get home safe, and thanks for everything!"


    Vivian shed a grin. "Just doing my job-and hey, you always pay on time." She hopped into her car and pulled away.


    Portia watched her go. "Her job sounds amazing. And she''s really nice, too."


    "She is," Calliope agreed.


    "Next time you all grab drinks, I''ming along!" Portia insisted, nudging Calliope.


    "You''re on."


    "And Mavis, too! When she wakes up, we''ll go out together,” Portia added.


    Calliope nodded, but Mavis''s name seemed to hang in the space between them, and they both fell silent, worry flickering in their eyes.


    Neither could say when Mavis would reallye back to them. They could only hope it would be soon.


    After a moment, Calliope spoke. "I''ve got some things to take care ofter. Want me to drive you home?"


    "Sure, thanks," Portia said.


    Calliope drove Portia back to the


    Sutton family''s estate. Portia''s


    mother tried to persuade her to stay for dinner, but Calliope


    declined she still needed to meet Ss for a meal.


    iet


    Ss had mentioned something he wanted to discuss-she guessed it was about his so-called first love. She felt that familiar flutter of nerves in her stomach, but she knew better than to dodge the conversation. You couldn''t run from these things forever.


    Still, she was d he wanted to be upfront with her instead of hiding it. She already


    knew most of it, anyway.


    After leaving the Sutton house, Calliope headed straight for the Baker Group building The moment she entered the lobby, people recognized her and greeted her warmly.


    "Mrs. Myers!"


    "Wee, Mrs. Myers!"


    "Mr. Myers is still in a meeting, but you''re wee to wait in his office!"


    "Can I make you a coffee, Mrs. Myers?"