I understand, [ he says. ] Given the lack of activity I don’t believe it would be suspicious for me to rejoin her sooner rather than later.

[ From beneath the shadow of Fitcher’s hat, he follows the open drape of her shirt to her belt, and from her belt to the placement of her hands, the fulcrum of her elbow. The slope of his shoulders is slack over his knees, the crystal turned over loose in his fingers. ]

I intended to call her this evening to check in. If she provides information on her whereabouts I’ll pass them along.

Did we lose anyone?