They walked down the street, the heat unbearable. Lucia glanced at Rose. "Well, in that case, I'll start charging interest."
Rose gasped in mock horror. "Fine, I'll just have to find another benefactor. Maybe Bradley would be willing to invest in my sustenance."
Lucia's laughter rang out again. "Good luck with that. Bradley's too busy chasing bad guys to fund your spendings."
Rose shielded her eyes with a hand, squinting at the sky.
"You're right," she conceded, "Let's get to the bus. I can always find someone, but right now, I have to get away from this dreadful sun."
As they hurried along the sidewalk, Lucia's phone chimed—a sharp contrast to the muffled sounds of the city. She glanced down as she read the notification from First National Bank: *Account now under your authority.* This must be Esther's bank, she thought.
Rose, sensing the change in pace, turned to Lucia with a furrowed brow. "What is it?"