The city felt different once they were outside.
It wasn't quieter. Chicago never was. But the noise no longer pressed in—it hovered, distant and unreal, like a life Courtney had already begun to slip out of.
Dwayne didn't let go of her hand until they were inside the car and the doors were shut, the world muted behind thick glass. Only then did he release her, leaning back in the seat, exhaling slowly as though holding himself together by sheer force of will.
Courtney stared straight ahead, the email still open on her phone, the words blurring and sharpening again with every shallow breath she took.
Demoted.
Under review.
Effective immediately.
It felt like being erased with one cold sentence.
"I didn't authorize that," Dwayne said quietly.
She swallowed. "I know."
"They moved fast because they're afraid," he continued. "Harold doesn't act unless he feels cornered."
