9

Jessie closed the door and held the large bag of takeout food from the NSO

cafeteria. She hadn’t eaten all day and the smell of dinner made her stomach rumble.

She turned on lights to study the living room, debating whether to eat or explore. Her

stomach rumbled again, settling the debate.

The couch was plush and comfy as she sat, settled the bag on the table before her

and opened it. The scent of prime rib made her groan. Justice had to have ordered it for

her since they hadn’t asked her what she wanted. At least she hoped he’d done

something that thoughtful. For all she knew, prime rib could have been the day’s

special.

She’d gotten to spend time with Tiny and Halfpint again. That had been great.

She’d always believed her job rewarding since joining the task force but nothing

reaffirmed that more than seeing the changes in the two. They’d been frightened,

i