After the call, Erisia slipped into an outfit Rita had given her—one she'd worn only once: a beige-and-white plaid jacket layered over a cropped white top, paired with high-waisted beige pants and white sneakers. She bent to pet Rein, who answered with a chirp, and ensured that the food and water bowls were filled. With the kitten taken care of, she locked the door behind her and hailed a cab.
The ride was quiet, city streets buzzing in the late morning sun. By the time she arrived at the police station, the familiar hum of activity greeted her—the shuffle of papers, phones ringing, officers striding across the floor. She greeted a few of the officers she'd interacted with the day before; polite nods and quick smiles passed between them.
Her presence didn't go unnoticed. A few heads turned—some curious. Officer Ramirez saw the exchange and gestured her down the hall. "Detective Tyler's in his cubicle," he said kindly.
