Hard Choices

Dmitry turned from the window. "Ask him where he is."

Sofia didn't.

Leo laughed quietly. "You're both too quiet. Either you're planning something illegal or you've finally learned how to be normal humans."

Dmitry spoke again. "What's your real location?"

Leo answered fast. "I'm everywhere. I'm the wind. I'm the smell in your socks. I'm the ghost in your toaster."

Sofia sat down.

Leo's voice dropped again. "Seriously. I'm fine. I'm working on it. I'll send you what I can. But if I don't answer the next time you call, it means I've fallen asleep. Or been kidnapped. Or sold my soul to a circus for snacks."

"Leo," Sofia said firmly.

He stopped talking.

Then he said, "You're doing the right thing. But that doesn't mean it ends well."

"Just send the files," Sofia replied.

"I will," Leo said. "And Sofia?"

"Yes?"

There was a long pause.