Sterling approached Kacy, walking Abby along the stone pathway in the garden. The sun shone against Kacy's brown hair and Abby's white fur.
"You really need to grow a backbone," Sterling muttered, leaning in. "Demand a decent room from Lolita. You shouldn't be living in squalor."
Kacy let out a hollow sigh. "At least it's a roof. The flood took everything else."
Sterling froze, clapping a hand over his mouth. "Oh god. Kacy, I am so sorry... I had no idea. That must have been devastating."
Kacy nodded while holding back tears. "I lost my mother. The only good news I've received is from watching the news on television. I know my brother is somewhere in Technate."
"Technate?" Sterling's eyes light up. "I've only travelled there once with Lolita for a meeting with Jacob Kennedy."
"You're allowed to travel outside the country?" Kacy's eyes brightened. "I heard most travellers' requests get denied."
"Only as a prisoner to Lolita's schedule," Sterling murmured, lowering his voice and leaning in just a bit closer so she could feel the warmth of his breath. "Trust me, if I had a choice, I'd take you far away from here. Nobody in Intermarium should be trapped."
"Sterling!" Lolita screeched as she stood by the white patio door, tapping her high-heeled shoe.
Sterling turned to look at Lolita's scowling face. "Break is over; I need you back in the boardroom to resume the meeting."
"Alright." Sterling grudgingly left Kacy.