Eric's pov.

A message made a huge change in Carina's complexion; she had been only slightly tired, but still in a very pleasant mood.

But now she first opened her eyes wide and looked at me in alarm. After a moment of contemplation, her mood stabilized, but her activity level followed suit, and Carina fell into thought and silence, looking down and fiddling with the pasta on her plate.

"What's happening?" I asked tentatively.

Carina came back from her thoughts: "Nothing, it's a work thing. I just got a tip that I don't know why she's telling me something."

"She?"

"It's a colleague I just met today." Carina took a...