CLAIRE

"There's a restaurant two blocks from here," Julian said. "Can you take an hour?"

I glanced back at the facility, through the window, I could see Nina watching us. She gave me a small wave, a gesture that clearly said go.

"Yes," I decided. "Let me just tell Nina."

I went back inside quickly. "I'm taking lunch," I told Nina.

"Take two hours," Nina replied. "We've got everything covered."

"Thank you," I said.

"Go fix things," Nina instructed. "The sketches can wait."

Back outside, Julian was holding the car door open. I slid into the passenger seat and he got in beside me, starting the engine but not moving...