Elizabeth’s words were a mystery, but they’d always been. And, like she usually did, Clo dismissed her friend’s philosophical ramblings that grew too far from the current reality.

“Oh, here, let me help with that,” Clo said when Elizabeth started moving her luggage, but was unsuccessful in doing so since her friend’s brother quickly stepped in. When the man moved, however, his pant leg shifted to reveal a curiously round bite mark. In another second, though, it was covered again, and Hank was attempting to explain something to Clo, albeit awkwardly.

“Nice to meet you, Hank,” Clo said with a grin. “And we can definitely hit the road.”

As he moved away, she glanced again at his hands. Though he struck Clo as more than just a hobbyist photographer, he had a fair deal of injuries that Clo rarely saw even on construction workers. Making a mental note to ask him about it later, Clo got into the car, closing the door behind her with a solid click.