The confirmation came through at four fifty-seven in the afternoon.
Sandra called while Damian was locking the front of the shop, key in hand, the street outside going gold with the last of the evening light.
"It's in the public record," she said. "As of four fifty-two. The challenge to the original registration and all supporting documentation are accessible under the open records provision." A pause that carried professional precision underneath it. "I've already had two calls from press contacts asking for comment."
"What did you tell them."
"That I don't comment on active cases." Her voice was even. "Which is accurate and also entirely insufficient as a deflection at this stage." Another pause. "Damian. By morning this will be news. I want you to understand what that looks like before it arrives."
He finished locking the door. Stood on the pavement. The city moving past him with its ordinary indifference.
"Tell me," he said.
